David-Some Worshipped, Some Mocked

By Mary Vee
II Samuel 6, I Chronicles 16:7-37

From Asaph's Journal

Recently king David transported the Ark of God from Obed-Edom's home to the city. I wish you could have seen the celebration and praises offered to God along the way.

David's enthusiastic songs and dance before God inspired everyone along the road to join in the praises and walk with the cart which carried the Ark to Jerusalem.

As we approached the city, David's wife, Michael came out to meet him. She stomped toward her husband and yelled, "Well, husband, you certainly look like a fool. Imagine, the great king of Israel without his royal clothing, dressed as no more than a commoner in the sight of slave girls. What an embarrassment to the crown and to me, your wife. How could you do this to us?"

He answered as I expected. With a soft, but firm voice. "I didn't dress this way for anyone but the Lord. It was for Him I danced and sang to praise and honor Him. He chose me over your father to follow His commands, and I will do so. If He asks, I will do anything He says even if it means utter humiliation. As for the slave girls you mentioned, they know why I did these things and will have nothing but honor for me."

God rewarded David's faithfulness to Him but He punished Michal by not giving her any children.

Once the ark rested in the Tabernacle, king David gave me a song of thanks to use in our worship. As a Levite I had been appointed to sing praises to God and to lead the people in musical praises. 

Here are the words (unfortunately you can't hear the music):

 Thank God! Call out his Name!
      Tell the whole world who he is and what he's done!
   Sing to him! Play songs for him!
      Broadcast all his wonders!
   Revel in his holy Name,
      God-seekers, be jubilant!
   Study God and his strength,
      seek his presence day and night;
   Remember all the wonders he performed,
      the miracles and judgments that came out of his mouth.
   Seed of Israel his servant!
      Children of Jacob, his first choice!
   He is God, our God;
      wherever you go you come on his judgments and decisions.
   He keeps his commitments across thousands
      of generations, the covenant he commanded,
   The same one he made with Abraham,
      the very one he swore to Isaac;
   He posted it in big block letters to Jacob,
      this eternal covenant with Israel:
   "I give you the land of Canaan,
      this is your inheritance;
   Even though you're not much to look at,
      a few straggling strangers."
   They wandered from country to country,
      camped out in one kingdom after another;
   But he didn't let anyone push them around,
      he stood up for them against bully-kings:
   "Don't you dare touch my anointed ones,
      don't lay a hand on my prophets."
   Sing to God, everyone and everything!
      Get out his salvation news every day!
   Publish his glory among the godless nations,
      his wonders to all races and religions.
   And why? Because God is great—well worth praising!
      No god or goddess comes close in honor.
   All the popular gods are stuff and nonsense,
      but God made the cosmos!
   Splendor and majesty flow out of him,
      strength and joy fill his place.
   Shout Bravo! to God, families of the peoples,
      in awe of the Glory, in awe of the Strength: Bravo!
   Shout Bravo! to his famous Name,
      lift high an offering and enter his presence!
   Stand resplendent in his robes of holiness!
   God is serious business, take him seriously;
      he's put the earth in place and it's not moving.
   So let Heaven rejoice, let Earth be jubilant,
      and pass the word among the nations, "God reigns!"
   Let Ocean, all teeming with life, bellow,
      let Field and all its creatures shake the rafters;
   Then the trees in the forest will add their applause
      to all who are pleased and present before God
      —he's on his way to set things right!
    Give thanks to God—he is good
      and his love never quits.
   Say, "Save us, Savior God,
      round us up and get us out of these godless places,
   So we can give thanks to your holy Name,
      and bask in your life of praise."
   Blessed be God, the God of Israel,
      from everlasting to everlasting.

When the song ended all the people cheered "Amen!" and "Praise the Lord."

Oh, if only you could have seen or heard it.

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photo courtesy of visualbibleimages.org
Messenger translation used

1. Who is Michal?
2. Why did she yell at king David?
3. Did David listen to her? If not, who did David listen to?
4. Once the ark was placed in the tabernacle what did David give Asaph?
5. Who is Asaph?
6. What did the people do at the end of the song?
7. Would you like to have been there? Why?