Many times we have heard that David “danced out of his clothes,” but the Scriptures do not say that. (File this under "Dance Ministry Myths"). We must know what the Word says, not only about dancing, but about many of our long-held beliefs, traditions, and quotations.
2 Samuel 6:14, 20
14) Then David danced before the LORD with all his might; and David was wearing a linen ephod.
20) Then David returned to bless his household. And Michal the daughter of Saul came out to meet David, and said, “How glorious was the king of Israel today, uncovering himself today in the eyes of the maids of his servants, as one of the base fellows shamelessly uncovers himself!”
In the Hebrew (#1540-galah) the word for uncover here is not translated as naked, but to “reveal” or “remove.” He was wearing a linen ephod, but kings at the time wore elaborate robes. He appeared to be common in this sense (by only wearing linen- which was thin and breathable), thus experiencing ridicule by Saul’s daughter (and also his wife) for being “foolish.” David rebutted that he would be even more undignified! Priests wore linen as one of their garments. (King and Priest? Go Jesus!)
Not all dance in the Bible is praise dance, but was an essential part of Old Testament tradition and expression (folk dance). Miriam and David danced unto the Lord. Women, men, and children danced. The return of the prodigal son in the New Testament was celebrated with a party and dancing (Luke 15:25). Of course we have heard the infamous account of Herodias’ daughter, which resulted in the death of John the Baptist.
Since I will not turn this into a long rant, here is the summary: Praise unto the Lord in dance is an acceptable expression. Just because people are dancing does not qualify it as praise (not only dance, but singing, preaching, and more can fall into the category of entertainment when it pleases our flesh more than it pleases God- but I digress…). God is looking at our hearts, and we must seek to glorify him in all that we do.
(New King James Bible Version)
2 Timothy 2:15
Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
2 comments:
Thank you, The truth of the matter is just that; there is a great difference between whether we are seeking to honor God in our service or reaching out to touch man. Truly we often focus on what man needs to connect to God. But God must be the base and the ultimate goal. When our hearts are set on admiration of men. I sincerely believe God labels our efforts entertainment!!!! Thus earning God's disapproval, as He so eloquently expressed through Christ and recorded by Matthew in response to those who would be rejected because their hearts were misguided, even though the results of their efforts seemed favorable. Saying;"And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity." Matthew 7:23 (see
verses,21-23)
May The Lord Jesus Christ, richly bless you. As The Father bestows upon you the care of His Holy Ghost.
William Gardner
Thank you, The truth of the matter is just that; there is a great difference between whether we are seeking to honor God in our service or reaching out to touch man. Truly we often focus on what man needs to connect to God. But God must be the base and the ultimate goal. When our hearts are set on admiration of men. I sincerely believe God labels our efforts entertainment!!!! Thus earning God's disapproval, as He so eloquently expressed through Christ and recorded by Matthew in response to those who would be rejected because their hearts were misguided, even though the results of their efforts seemed favorable. Saying;"And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity." Matthew 7:23 (see
verses,21-23)
May The Lord Jesus Christ, richly bless you. As The Father bestows upon you the care of His Holy Ghost.
William Gardner
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