Then David, girt with a linen apron, came dancing before the LORD with abandon, as he and all the house of Israel were bringing up the ark of the LORD with shouts of joy and to the sound of the horn. The ark of the LORD was brought in and set in its place within the tent David had pitched for it.
The first reading today from 1 Samuel describes the
ceremonial arrival of the Ark of the Covenant in Jerusalem. David, the thirty-year-old
king, strengthened his power by bringing the Ark, which had been at Shiloh for
several hundred years, to the city which he controlled. Jerusalem was
lock-stock-and-barrow “the City of David" – his to build, exploit, use or give
as he chose. He chose to give it to God.
The faithful who had been making pilgrimages to Shiloh –
like Hannah when she begged
God for a son -- now came to his capital city. Three thousand years later we
think of the ($) money they brought with them; David probably considered the
prestige but we have to give him some credit for his filial devotion to God. This
hilltop fortress of pagan Jebusites
was now God’s Holy City. Clearly, God blessed
this move.
However, not everyone was caught up in the festivities.
David’s #1 wife, Michal, daughter of Saul, was revolted by the sight of her young
husband dancing about, exposing his legs and what-all to the laughing girls. She
felt humiliated; and when she confronted him they quarreled. He never spoke to
her again and turned for comfort to the lovely, more pliable Abigail.
Everyone else was happy with David’s ceremonial move,
especially because he had directed his butchers, bakers and cooks to feed the entire
crowd. Since that day we have regarded Jerusalem as the spiritual pole of the earth.
Always we must contend with the Michals among us who think we’re getting carried away with our
devotions. They wonder if God can be pleased with such extravagance. They carp,
“Why was this not sold for
three hundred days’ wages and given to the poor? We respond with another
scripture, “We must celebrate
and rejoice.”
It is easy to be cynical. Any fool can do it; and most fools,
when they do it, think they’re smarter than the rest of us.
One of life’s greatest privileges is giving glory and praise
to God. That can never be a guilty pleasure.
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I love to write. This blog helps me to meditate on the Word of God, and I hope to make some contribution to our contemplations of God's Mighty Works.
Ordinarily, I write these reflections two or three weeks in advance of their publication. I do not intend to comment on current events.
I understand many people prefer gender-neutral references to "God." I don't disagree with them but find that language impersonal, unappealing and tasteless. When I refer to "God" I think of the One whom Jesus called "Abba" and "Father", and I would not attempt to improve on Jesus' language.
You're welcome to add a thought or raise a question.