Alrighty, let’s pick up where we left off as we continue with our review of the key events leading up to the Book of Kings.
So David, now the newly anointed king, needs a capital city for his kingdom.
What happens next is momentous.
He conquers the Jebusite city of Jerusalem and makes it his capital.
At that time, Jerusalem was a walled stronghold located smack dab in the center of Israelite territory.
David names Jerusalem the “City of David,” otherwise known as Zion.
Later, David achieves a decisive military victory over the Philistines and then transports the Ark of the Covenant from Kiriath-Yearim (where it had resided for decades) to Jerusalem.
To celebrate, a rowdy, loud parade is held, with music and shouting.
David really lets his hair down during this celebration.
To the embarrassment of his wife (King Saul’s daughter Michal), he dances half-naked in front of the crowds in quite an uninhibited manner.
David lashes back at Michal and lets her know he will humiliate himself in front of the Lord as much as he damn well pleases.
During this time, David’s prophet Nathan prophecies that the Lord will give Israel rest from gentile oppression and promises that his kingdom will never end (major prophecy here, folks!).
With Joab’s help, David conquers the nations surrounding Israel and continues to expand his territory through both military might and diplomatic relations.
Looking back in history, we can see this was the golden era of David’s rulership.
But tragically, it would not last.
David falls into sin, setting in motion the decline of his reign that would last until his death.
Alrighty, let’s stop here and transition over to the takeaway.
When the Ark came into Jerusalem, notice that David could’ve cared less about protecting his image.
He danced for the Lord with all of his heart, soul, and mind.
And when his wife Michal mocked him for it, he told her to shove it!
There’s a huge lesson to be learned here.
David was both a national hero and a king.
Yet, he could’ve cared less about having to keep up dignified appearances.
Honoring the Lord was more important to him.
Tragically, most people today are the opposite.
They’ll scream their lungs out at baseball games.
Or ball their eyes out at concerts.
But when it comes to expressing joy for God?
Suddenly, people get all reserved and start caring more about what other people think.
Don’t be like that.
Don’t be ashamed to show your exuberance for the Lord.
Ya feel me?
Done.
CONNECTING THIS TEACHING TO THE NEW TESTAMENT
“Whoever is ashamed of me and my words,
The Son of Man will be ashamed of them
when he comes in his glory and
in the glory of the Father
and of the holy angels.”
-Luke 9:26
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