“As the ark of the Lord was entering the City of David, Michal daughter of Saul watched from a window. And when she saw King David leaping and dancing before the Lord, she despised him in her heart.” 2 Samuel 6:16.

Dancing Undignified

Michal. Ashamed of King David, ashamed of his worship to the Most High God. Bringing back the Ark of the Covenant, which had been out of their possession for quite some time, was a huge reason to celebrate. David didn’t let the fact that all of the people were watching him hinder his worship. The Word says he danced and leaped before the LORD! His enthusiasm and excitement became worship back to the One who had made it all possible.

David blessed all the people, gave them all a loaf of bread, cakes of dates and raisins to each person, before sending them on to their homes rejoicing.

Then he went to bless his own house but Michal was waiting for him. “How the king of Israel has distinguished himself today, going around half-naked in full view of the slave girls of his servants as any vulgar fellow would!”

She was taunting, she was accusing and she completely missed the importance of the occasion.

She missed the worship.

David said to Michal, “It was before the Lord, who chose me rather than your father or anyone from his house when he appointed me ruler over the Lord’s people Israel—I will celebrate before the Lord. I will become even more undignified than this, and I will be humiliated in my own eyes. But by these slave girls you spoke of, I will be held in honor.”

The King was not haughty in his worship, he was reverent, he was jubilant and the Word of God tells us to celebrate Him in worship!

“Let them praise his name in the dance: let them sing praises unto him with the timbrel and harp.” Psalm 149:3.

Praise His name in the dance! It isn’t for our glory but for His name to be magnified. Dancing before the Lord also brings strength and power to the children of God. It is a manner of worship and worship releases the power of God back into those filled with His spirit.

Michal missed out on the power of God that day. She missed out on the rejoicing, the singing, the excitement that came with the anointing returning to the camp. She missed it all because she found fault with the King. She was embarrassed by his worship and it cost her:

“And Michal daughter of Saul had no children to the day of her death.”

The next time you are in your prayer closet, try it! He doesn’t care how you dance, just worship Him. Put on your favorite Gospel music and your garment of praise and give back to Jesus.

Matt Redman has written a most wonderful song on the story of Michal and David.

I will dance, I will sing to be mad for my King
Nothing, Lord, is hindering the passion in my soul
I will dance, I will sing to be mad for my King
Nothing, Lord, is hindering the passion in my soul

And I’ll become even more undignified than this
Some would say it’s foolishness
But I’ll become even more undignified than this
Leave my pride by the side

Nothing is hindering this passion in my soul! Are you hindered from dancing before the Lord? He delights in the praises of His people! “Sing and rejoice, O daughter of Zion: for, lo, I come, and I will dwell in the midst of thee, saith the LORD.” Zechariah 2:10.

To King David, it was strictly an act of worship that got self out of the way and pointed to the One who had made a way.

Some may say it’s foolishness but there are times that dancing before the Lord is the only way to fully express the JOY that He gives!

Go ahead…dance!