As the ark of the covenant of Yahweh came to the city of David, Michal the daughter of Saul looked out at the window, and saw king David dancing and playing; and she despised him in her heart.
1 Chronicles 15:29 · WEB
Save this verse: — saved on this device. Create a free account to keep it everywhere.
Back to the chapter

Other translations

WEB

As the ark of the covenant of Yahweh came to the city of David, Michal the daughter of Saul looked out at the window, and saw king David dancing and playing; and she despised him in her heart.

KJV

And it came to pass, as the ark of the covenant of the LORD came to the city of David, that Michal the daughter of Saul looking out at a window saw king David dancing and playing: and she despised him in her heart.

Word study

And it came to pass, hâyâh H1961
as the ark ʼârôwn H727
of the covenant bᵉrîyth H1285
of the LORD Yᵉhôvâh H3068
came bôwʼ H935
to ʻad H5704
the city ʻîyr H5892
of David, Dâvid H1732
that Michal Mîykâl H4324
the daughter bath H1323
of Saul Shâʼûwl H7586
looking out shâqaph H8259
at bᵉʻad H1157
a window challôwn H2474
saw râʼâh H7200
ʼêth H853
king melek H4428
David Dâvid H1732
dancing râqad H7540
and playing: sâchaq H7832
and she despised bâzâh H959
him in her heart. lêb H3820

Commentary

Matthew Henry

All things being got ready for the carrying of the ark to the city of David, and its reception there, we have here an account of the solemnity of this conveyance thither from the house of Obed-edom.
I. God helped the Levites that carried it. The ark was no very great burden, that those who carried it needed any extraordinary help. But, 1. It is good to take notice of the assistance of the divine providence even in those things that fall within the compass of our natural powers: if God did not help us, we could not stir a step. 2. In all our religious exercises we must particularly derive help from heaven. See Act 26:22. All our sufficiency for holy duties is from God. 3. The Levites, remembering the breach upon Uzza, were probably ready to tremble when they took up the ark; but God helped them, that is, he encouraged them to it, silenced their fears, and strengthened their faith. 4. God helped them to do it decently and well, and without making any mistake. If we perform any religious duties so as to escape a breach, and come off with our lives, we must own it is God that helps us; for, if left to ourselves, we should be guilty of some fatal miscarriages. God's ministers that bear the vessels of the Lord have special need of divine help in their ministrations, that God in them may be glorified and his church edified. And, if God help the Levites, the people have the benefit of it.
II. When they experienced the tokens of God's presence with them they offered sacrifices of praise to him, Ch1 15:26. This also he helped them to do. They offered these bullocks and rams perhaps by way of atonement for the former error, that it might not now be remembered against them, as well as by way of acknowledgment for the help now received.
III. There were great expressions of rejoicing used: the sacred music was played, David danced, the singers sang, and the common people shouted, Ch1 15:27, Ch1 15:28. This we had before, Sa2 6:14, Sa2 6:15. Learn hence, 1. That we serve a good master, who delights to have his servants sing at their work. 2. That times of public reformation are, and should be, times of public rejoicing. Those are unworthy of the ark that are not glad of it. 3. It is not any disparagement to the greatest of men to show themselves zealous in the acts of devotion. Michal indeed despised David (Ch1 15:29); but her despising him did not make him at all despicable; he did not regard it himself, nor did any that were wise and good (and why should we covet the esteem of any but such?) think the worse of him.

Adam Clarke

Michal - saw - David dancing - and she despised him - See this whole business explained Sa2 6:20 (note), etc., where David's conduct is vindicated, and the nature of Michal's disgrace and punishment hinted at, but all left to the reader's determination.

John Gill

Thus all Israel brought up the ark of the covenant of the Lord with shouting,.... See Sa2 6:15.
1 Chronicles 15:29

JFB

Michal . . . saw . . . David dancing and playing--His movements would be slow and solemn, suitable to the grave and solemn character of the music. Though his royal robes were laid aside, he was attired like the other officials, showing a becoming humility in the immediate presence of God. The feelings manifested by Michal were only an ebullition of spleen from a proud and passionate woman.

Next: 1 Chronicles Chapter 16

Community notes

No notes yet on this verse.

Add your own note

Saved on this device for now. Create a free account to keep it and, if you choose, share it with other readers.