What does 2 Samuel 6:21 mean?
"And David said unto Michal, It was before the LORD, which chose me before thy father, and before all his house, to appoint me ruler over the people of the LORD, over Israel: therefore will I play before the LORD." - 2 Samuel 6:21
The verse 2 Samuel 6:21 in the King James Version reads, "And David said unto Michal, It was before the LORD, which chose me before thy father, and before all his house, to appoint me ruler over the people of the LORD, over Israel: therefore will I play before the LORD."
This verse is situated in a significant moment in the Old Testament, where King David brings the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem. The Ark symbolized the presence of God and its return to Jerusalem was a momentous occasion, signifying the restoration of the divine presence among the Israelites.
The verse captures a key moment in David's life and his relationship with his wife Michal. When Michal criticizes David for dancing and celebrating before the Lord, David responds with a declaration of his commitment to the Lord and his role as a chosen ruler over Israel. This passage reveals the tension within the relationship between David and Michal, as well as David's unwavering devotion to God.
One of the central themes of this verse is the sovereignty of God and his choice of David as the king over Israel. David acknowledges that it was the Lord who chose him over Saul and his house to lead the people of Israel. This emphasizes the divine selection and anointing of David, highlighting that it is God who ultimately appoints and raises up leaders. It also serves as a reminder of David's humility and recognition of his position as a servant and instrument of God's will.
Furthermore, this verse reflects the importance of worship and celebration before the Lord. David's actions of dancing and playing before the Lord demonstrate his joy and reverence for God's presence. It portrays a profound sense of exuberance and praise, illustrating the significance of expressing one's devotion and adoration through worship. This theme resonates throughout the Bible, emphasizing the power of praise, thanksgiving, and jubilation as integral aspects of the believer's relationship with God.
The verse also delves into the dynamics of David's personal relationships, particularly with his wife Michal. It sheds light on the complexities of their marriage and the differing perspectives on spiritual matters. Michal's judgment of David's exuberant worship reveals her lack of understanding and appreciation for his deep spiritual connection with the Lord. In contrast, David's response demonstrates his unwavering commitment to God, prioritizing his relationship with the Lord above all else.
In terms of symbolism, this verse represents the spiritual and political significance of David's reign. The return of the Ark to Jerusalem signifies the restoration of God's presence and blessings upon the nation of Israel under David's leadership. It symbolizes the unity of spiritual and secular authority, as David, the chosen ruler, seeks to honor and glorify God in all his actions.
In conclusion, 2 Samuel 6:21 encapsulates profound themes of divine sovereignty, worship, personal devotion, and the complexities of human relationships. It offers insights into the character of King David, his unwavering faith, and his resolute determination to honor and celebrate the Lord. This verse serves as a timeless reminder of the importance of recognizing and embracing God's sovereign will, wholehearted worship, and unwavering commitment to the Lord.
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2 Samuel 6:21 - "And David said unto Michal, It was before the LORD, which chose me before thy father, and before all his house, to appoint me ruler over the people of the LORD, over Israel: therefore will I play before the LORD."
"And David said unto Michal, It was before the LORD, which chose me before thy father, and before all his house, to appoint me ruler over the people of the LORD, over Israel: therefore will I play before the LORD." - 2 Samuel 6:21
2 Samuel 6:14
2 Samuel 21:6 - "Let seven men of his sons be delivered unto us, and we will hang them up unto the LORD in Gibeah of Saul, whom the LORD did choose. And the king said, I will give them."
2 Samuel 6:14–22
2 Samuel 21:21 - "And when he defied Israel, Jonathan the son of Shimea the brother of David slew him."
2 samuel 23:8-21
1 Samuel 6:21 - "¶ And they sent messengers to the inhabitants of Kirjath-jearim, saying, The Philistines have brought again the ark of the LORD; come ye down, and fetch it up to you."
2 Samuel 5:21 - "And there they left their images, and David and his men burned them."
1 Samuel 2:21 - "And the LORD visited Hannah, so that she conceived, and bare three sons and two daughters. And the child Samuel grew before the LORD."
2 Samuel 21:11 - "And it was told David what Rizpah the daughter of Aiah, the concubine of Saul, had done."
2 Samuel 13:21 - "¶ But when king David heard of all these things, he was very wroth."
2 Samuel 21:22 - "These four were born to the giant in Gath, and fell by the hand of David, and by the hand of his servants."
2 Samuel 6:1 - "Again, David gathered together all the chosen men of Israel, thirty thousand."
2 Samuel 6:23 - "Therefore Michal the daughter of Saul had no child unto the day of her death."
1 Samuel 21:6 - "So the priest gave him hallowed bread: for there was no bread there but the shewbread, that was taken from before the LORD, to put hot bread in the day when it was taken away."
2 Samuel 6:6 - "¶ And when they came to Nachon's threshingfloor, Uzzah put forth his hand to the ark of God, and took hold of it; for the oxen shook it."
2 Samuel 22:6 - "The sorrows of hell compassed me about; the snares of death prevented me;"
2 Samuel 22:21 - "The LORD rewarded me according to my righteousness: according to the cleanness of my hands hath he recompensed me."
2 Samuel 19:21 - "But Abishai the son of Zeruiah answered and said, Shall not Shimei be put to death for this, because he cursed the LORD'S anointed?"
2 Samuel 21:18 - "And it came to pass after this, that there was again a battle with the Philistines at Gob: then Sibbechai the Hushathite slew Saph, which was of the sons of the giant."
2 Samuel 21:13 - "And he brought up from thence the bones of Saul and the bones of Jonathan his son; and they gathered the bones of them that were hanged."
2 Samuel 21:7 - "But the king spared Mephibosheth, the son of Jonathan the son of Saul, because of the LORD'S oath that was between them, between David and Jonathan the son of Saul."
2 Samuel 18:6 - "¶ So the people went out into the field against Israel: and the battle was in the wood of Ephraim;"
1 Samuel 2:6 - "The LORD killeth, and maketh alive: he bringeth down to the grave, and bringeth up."
2 Samuel 24:6 - "Then they came to Gilead, and to the land of Tahtim-hodshi; and they came to Dan-jaan, and about to Zidon,"
2 Samuel 6:14 - "And David danced before the LORD with all his might; and David was girded with a linen ephod."
2 Samuel 21:5 - "And they answered the king, The man that consumed us, and that devised against us that we should be destroyed from remaining in any of the coasts of Israel,"
2 Samuel 6:9 - "And David was afraid of the LORD that day, and said, How shall the ark of the LORD come to me?"
2 Samuel 18:21 - "Then said Joab to Cushi, Go tell the king what thou hast seen. And Cushi bowed himself unto Joab, and ran."