23 January 2024

So David went and brought up the ark of God from the house of Obed-edom to the city of David with rejoicing; and when those who bore the ark of the Lord had gone six paces, he sacrificed an ox and a fatling. David danced before the Lord with all his might; David was girded with a linen ephod. So David and all the house of Israel brought up the ark of the Lord with shouting, and with the sound of the trumpet.

From 2 Samuel 6:12-15,17-19, NRSV

Following one failed attempt to bring the Ark of the Covenant to the city of Jerusalem – David’s city – King David now succeeds in his intent. This time, he has taken great care to ensure that the Ark is treated with all the respect it should be. David was aware of the huge importance of bringing this symbol of God’s presence to the capital city of his nation, and his preparations were elaborate. Such was his joy when it seemed that he had succeeded that he danced before the Lord. There were those who saw this as over exuberance – even unseemly. Yet for David this was a sincere and natural act of worship.

• • Why do you think David danced?
  • Can dancing have a place in our worship?

Reflect on and give thanks the many ways in which we can express our joy and thanksgiving in God’s presence.