1 Chronicles 15:29
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.
1 Chronicles 15:29 · King James Version
Meaning
When the ark of the covenant of the LORD was brought to the city of David, King David could not contain his joy and began to dance and play before it. This act of celebration and reverence towards God was met with disdain by Michal, the daughter of Saul, who looked out from a window and despised David in her heart. Michal's reaction reveals a deep-seated resentment towards David, possibly stemming from his rise to power and her own family's downfall. It also highlights the contrast between David's exuberant display of worship and Michal's cold, judgmental attitude. This episode serves as a reminder of the importance of sincerity and humility in our worship of God, and the dangers of allowing pride and bitterness to cloud our hearts. It also demonstrates the complexities and challenges that can arise within intimate relationships, even among the most devoted followers of the faith.
Theological Overview
In this verse, we see Michal, the daughter of Saul, looking out of a window and witnessing King David dancing and playing as the ark of the covenant of the LORD comes to the city of David. Michal's reaction to David's joyful display is one of disdain and contempt in her heart. This passage offers a glimpse into the complicated relationship between Michal and David, which was marred by political and personal conflicts. The theological interpretation of this verse highlights the theme of reverence and worship towards God. David's exuberant celebration before the ark symbolizes his deep reverence and love for the Lord, contrasting with Michal's lack of understanding and respect for such expressions of devotion. This verse serves as a reminder of the importance of genuine worship and humility before God, as well as the consequences of allowing pride and judgment to cloud our hearts.
1 Chronicles 15:29 in other translations
American Standard Version
And it came to pass, as the ark of the covenant of Jehovah came to the city of David, that Michal the daughter of Saul looked out at the window, and saw king David dancing and playing; and she despised him in her heart.
World English Bible
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.
Douay-Rheims
And when the ark of the covenant of the Lord was come to the city of David, Michol the daughter of Saul looking out at a window, saw king David dancing and playing, and she despised him in her heart.
Geneva Bible (1599)
And when the Arke of the couenant of the Lord came into the citie of Dauid, Michal the daughter of Saul looked out at a windowe, and sawe King Dauid dauncing and playing, and she despised him in her heart.