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2 Samuel 6:20-22, When David returned home to bless his household, Michal daughter of Saul came out to meet him and said, “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!”

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.”

As the ark made its way into Jerusalem at last, there was much celebration among all the people.  David danced and sang.  The people rejoiced.  All except Michal, daughter of Saul and David’s first wife.  We don’t know why she wasn’t present at the celebration (other women were there) but she chose to watch from a palace window.  She sees her husband, the king, joyfully celebrating and dancing, in his linen undergarment.  You can kind of picture her in the window, seething with anger. 

Michal confronts Saul when he arrives home, angry with him and suggesting his leaping and dancing in a half-dressed state had more to do with sexually impressing the slave girls.  David replies that his dancing was not for anyone but God.  He simply could not contain his joy before the Lord and he would do even more undignified things if needed to praise God. 

A couple of thoughts here.  First, David was certainly covered enough to be in compliance with Torah.  He was wearing a linen undergarment so he wasn’t provocative or suggestive.  Just wanted to clear that up.  Second, Michal’s disapproval had more to do with her own feelings toward God than David’s behavior.  Something had obviously happened in the time she was separated from David; a wedge had developed in her relationship with God.  There were many pagan influences all around her in Saul’s household.  Now, we see underlying bitterness and anger.  She described herself as a “daughter of Saul” rather than a “wife of David.” 

Sometimes, without us really even being aware of it, we can find ourselves drifting from God.  Maybe we are angry with God over life circumstances.  Maybe we struggle with doubt.  Maybe we are wrestling with our own disobedience.  Whatever it is, we all have been Michal.  Evaluate your own heart right now.  How is your soul?  Where are you with God?  What kinds of business do you need to take care of with God today to ensure you walk closer to God rather than farther away. 

Let’s pray…Lord Jesus, Help us grow closer to you.  Create in us a clean heart, O God.  Amen.