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2 Samuel 6:21

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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.

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}.

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!

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,

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

In 2 Samuel 6:21, King David passionately defends his unreserved worship before the Lord to his wife, Michal, who had previously shown contempt for his exuberant dancing as the Ark of the Covenant was brought into Jerusalem (see 2 Samuel 6:16).

Context

This verse is a pivotal part of the narrative describing the triumphant return of the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem, David's capital. David's joyous, albeit undignified in Michal's eyes, celebration involved dancing "with all his might" (2 Samuel 6:14). Michal, daughter of King Saul, viewed David's display as a lack of kingly decorum, seeing it as demeaning himself before his servants. David's response here directly addresses her criticism, explaining the spiritual motivation behind his actions.

Key Themes

  • Divine Election and Sovereignty: David's core argument is that his kingship was not inherited but was a direct, sovereign choice of God. He declares, "which chose me before thy father, and before all his house, to appoint me ruler over the people of the LORD, over Israel." This highlights God's ultimate authority in appointing leaders, a choice that elevated David above Saul's lineage (1 Samuel 16:12-13).
  • Humility in Worship: David's willingness to "play before the LORD" demonstrates a profound humility. He was not concerned with maintaining a regal image but with expressing heartfelt devotion to the God who had exalted him. His worship transcended social norms and kingly expectations.
  • Authentic Worship: David emphasizes that his actions were "before the LORD," meaning they were primarily for God's approval, not human applause or social standing. This underscores the principle that true worship is directed vertically, from the heart to God, irrespective of how it might appear to others.
  • Contrast of Perspectives: The passage starkly contrasts David's humble, passionate devotion with Michal's aristocratic pride and concern for outward appearance. Her inability to appreciate David's spiritual fervor ultimately led to her barrenness (2 Samuel 6:23).

Linguistic Insights

The KJV word "play" in "therefore will I play before the LORD" comes from the Hebrew verb sachaq (שָׂחַק). While it can mean to laugh or jest, in this context, it conveys a sense of joyous, unrestrained celebration or dancing. It implies an exuberant, perhaps even childlike, expression of delight and reverence before God, rather than a formal or dignified ritual. David's intent was to express his profound joy and worship.

Practical Application

This verse offers powerful lessons for believers today:

  • Worship from the Heart: Our worship should be genuine and from the heart, focused on God's worthiness rather than human perception or social conventions.
  • Humility Before God: Regardless of our status or position, we are all called to humble ourselves before the Lord, acknowledging His sovereignty and grace in our lives.
  • Prioritizing God's Approval: Like David, our primary concern should be to please God, not people. When we live "before the LORD," our actions are guided by divine approval.

David's bold declaration reminds us that true devotion often involves shedding worldly dignity in favor of spiritual humility and unreserved adoration for the One who has chosen and blessed us.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash (May 20, 2025) using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Psalms 89:19 (6 votes)

    ¶ 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 (6 votes)

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

  • Acts 13:22 (6 votes)

    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 (6 votes)

    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 (6 votes)

    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 (5 votes)

    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 (5 votes)

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