2 Samuel 6:20-23
20 But when David returned to bless his own household, Michal the daughter of Saul came out to meet David and said, “How the king of Israel dignified himself today! For he exposed himself today in the sight of his servants’ female slaves, as one of the rabble shamelessly exposes himself!”
21 But David said to Michal, “I was before the Lord, who preferred me to your father and to all his house, to appoint me as ruler over the people of the Lord, over Israel. So I will celebrate before the Lord!
22 And I might demean myself even more than this and be lowly in my own sight, but with the female slaves of whom you have spoken, with them I am to be held in honor!”
23 And Michal the daughter of Saul had no child to the day of her death.
Parting of David and Michal
David blessing his household
After finishing blessing the people, David returned to his palace to bless his household. At that moment, David was in high spirits, but the one who dampened his joy was his first wife, Michal. (1) Michal said to David with heavy sarcasm, “How the king of Israel dignified himself today!” She believed that a king should not dance about so lightly if he wished to maintain his dignity, and that the clothing he wore (the ephod) was practically indecent. (2) Michal was the daughter of Saul. She did not share David’s faith, but she had an especially strong pride in being a member of the royal family. She had likely also inherited her father’s condescending attitude toward common people. (3) At that time, David responded, “The Lord did not choose the prideful house of Saul but chose a man lowly like me. It is only natural that I rejoice before Him. Moreover, I wish to be honored by the servant women, those of low status, who are despised by the house of Saul.”
Michal bearing a curse
From this day on, a rift formed between David and Michal. Instead of receiving a blessing, Michal came to bear a curse. (1) From this point on, David no longer had a marital relationship with Michal. As a result, Michal remained childless throughout her life. In Israel at that time, barrenness was considered a disgrace, and she had to endure that shame for the rest of her days. (2) Originally, it would have been Michal’s son who inherits the throne, but because she had no child, the right of succession passed to the son of Bathsheba. Many people suffer because their family members do not understand their faith. David was one such person. Those who do not fear God often attack believers. When David was despised by Michal, he did not retaliate against her but entrusted all judgment to the Lord. This serves as a lesson for us. Even if family members oppose our faith, there is no need to retaliate. God knows everything. And He will act at the best time and in the best way. As for us, we simply need to continue proclaiming the gospel faithfully.
Today's prayer
Heavenly Father, I thank You for choosing me in Christ before the world was even created. I entrust into Your hands those who despise my faith. Please work in the best way according to Your will. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen.