King David in the nude?

So I have been reading in 2nd Samuel a bit and I found this portion of it to be strange indeen 2nd Samuel 6. Not necessarily strange but I have heard many people say David disrobed and danced naked before the Ark of God. As I read the story in different translations and looking deeper at the context David "dancing naked" seems to be a poor interpretation in fact 2 Samuel 6:14 says "And David danced before the Lord with all his might, WEARING A PRIESTLY TUNIC."(NLT)

Michal then later makes some statements that I guess is where some would get such a notion, and I can see how but looking deeper at who Michal and David are I just can't put the two together. Michal says in 2 Samuel 6:20 "How glorious was the king of Israel today, who stripped himself of his kingly robes and uncovered himself in the eyes of his servants' maids as one of the worthless fellows shamelessly uncovers himself!" (AMP)

David acted like everyone else which to her wasn't kingly, some translation use the word Distinguished Meaning Saracastically saying Oh HOW DISTINGUISHED was the King today exposing himself (as a common man, removing his kingly robes for a Priestly tunic). Michal grew up with King Saul as a dad who was "a whole head taller than any man" Saul was very distinguished amoung men and I am guess Michal placed this on David. The use of the man As is a comparison that was exaggerated by Sarcasm kind of like the phrase "I am light as a feather" For a king to remove his Kingly Robes in public was AS a man who exposes himself shamelessly.

Yet another factor the look at is David was praising radically the God who took away her fathers anointing. Michal could very well be harboring bitterness. I think the fact that Michal wanted David to know was now everyone even the Common maidservants would now look at David differently than a "traditional" king. Could I get some thoughts on this, because seriously before today I was always told David danced naked before the Ark of God.

This really doesn't change the story any but it definitely is interesting, and to me was a Display of David's Unashamed Love and humility before the Lord whether he was naked or not.

God Bless,
Matthew

Yeah, I don't think he was dancing naked either. I think most people say he was because his wife smacked him around a bit afterwards for being so 'exposed.' But exposed does not necessarily mean he was naked. I would consult an academic commentary or two on this though.

However, it should be noted that the prophets Isaiah and Micah went naked for long periods of times in their ministry.

Well its a relief to know I at least line up with the King Jimmy Version :).

I think God's estimate of the situation is most interesting:

Therefore Michal the daughter of Saul had no child unto the day of her death. (2 Sam. 6)

Bible teachers will tell you that when you come across the word, 'therefore' you must stop and see what it's there for.

You will notice that Michal did not celebrate with David as the Ark of God came up. She had no such inclination. She stayed afar off- observing at a safe distance. In fact she despised David in her heart for what he was doing. This is her response to David's response to God. This is the issue. The clothing issue was merely her excuse to spin the situation in a way so as to color her feeling. She pretended it was lewdness, but really she despised his worship before the Lord. David did a vulnerable thing and she acted out.

As Jimmy points out, nudeness was not the issue. He was girded with a linen ephod. Some theologians have suggested that the priestly garb was such that it did not allow for priests to go up steps in their service for God- lest they expose themselves. So it is probable that in David's dancing that he may have become less covered than would be desired. However, this moment between Him and God was very sacred. That Ark had been carried off by God's enemies because of the reckless priesthood that were charged with guarding it. ICHABOD was the result. This is David's response to God undoing what Eli and his sons had done.

When God returns to the camp, people who truly love God are liable to respond in ways that seem unusual or even uncalled for. But this event is exemplary. God is watching and life is only about 75 years and then the judgment. If Michal can't be excited and joyous that God is coming back into the camp, at least she can hold her peace. But she could not restrain herself. She challenged David's response to God and intruded into the domain of God as recklessly as did Uzziah into the Holy of Holies.

God's reaction? Therefore Michal the daughter of Saul had no child unto the day of her death. (2 Sam. 6) God made sure that the proverb, "like mother like daughter" would never be heard of Michal. He made sure that spirit or attitude never multiplied. He struck her womb at the root lest it bring forth more like fruit. If ever there were a passage to sober our minds this is it. It ought to strike a true fear of God in our hearts before we would endeavor to measure anyones response to God.

Amen, well said Robert.

I think God's estimate of the situation is most interesting: Therefore Michal the daughter of Saul had no child unto the day of her death. (2 Sam. 6)

My assumption has always been that David was the one who put her aside. Her 'disgust' probably disgusted him.

PassingThru

My assumption has always been that David was the one who put her aside. Her 'disgust' probably disgusted him.

I think your right, especially after dragging her back to himself after she had been given away again. As for having 'no child' I think the key word here 'valad' is enlightening. It is used only twice in the OT and the other is of Sarah in Gen. 11:30.

I have only found a few commentators that suggested the possibility of David refusing her from this time forward, but it was only a 'possibility' (Clarke, etc). Under Mosaic law he would be required to provide conjugal relations (Exodus 21:10) so most OT commentators, esp. K&D simply assume providence. God Bless.

Awesome insight and comments, this is why I post my questions on here. Generally there is some very gracious and intellectual responses that at times my immaturity doesn't allow my to grasp on my own. So Thanks!

I also see a beautiful time in regards to David and the People, He blessed them all immensely. I believe this event for David was the acknowledgement that God is the true King and fully deserving of Praise and Glory.

Very cool! I didn't even catch the point of her using a household idol to allow David to get away. I mean its unlikely she borrowed the thing from a neighbor and so was highly likely it was her own. This would also explain the childlessness, I would also point out also that a root of bitterness robs one of their blessing. Michal definitely had some kind of bitterness built up whether if be for God or for David. Also whether David set her aside or God sovereignly shut her womb Michal would likely be shamed by either and thus receive her punishment.