2 Samuel 6:12-23 “Progress Amid Criticism”
King David heard God had blessed Obed-edom because of the ark. So he resumed efforts to bring the ark to Jerusalem. This time it was done with careful attention to God’s Word and worship. “And David was dancing before the LORD with all his might, and David was wearing a linen ephod.” (14) This process was facilitated by loud, enthusiastic, and joyful expressions of praise. We learn in the Chronicles account their failure was due to not seeking God’s ordinance. “The sons of the Levites carried the ark of God on their shoulders with the poles thereon, as Moses had commanded according to the word of the LORD.” (1 Chr. 15:15) The ark was not to be carried by the creations of men, but upon the shoulders of consecrated men sensitive to its value. When David returned to bless his house, Saul’s daughter [Michal] came to him: “…’How the king of Israel distinguished himself today!…’” (20c). She did not participant in the celebration but a critic. He had removed his kingly garments, put on a priestly garment (ephod) and gave himself to an unrestrained worship celebration. Michal’s criticism resulted barrenness for the rest of her life. We might ask ourselves, are we participants or critics in the process of restoring God’s manifest ruling presence in the church?
