I will become even more undignified than this, and I will be humiliated in my own eyes. (2 Samuel 6:22)Today's reading starts with David, already recognized as King of Judah, being installed as the King of all Israel. Not everyone was united behind David - there were still those loyal to the house of Saul, who would cause trouble for Solomon in later years.
Then David conquered Jerusalem. Jerusalem became known as the City of David, and was not included in the inheritance of any tribe. Much like Washington D.C. is not part of any state, Jerusalem was David's and no one else's. In his classic A History of Israel, John Bright applauds David's genius in choosing neutral ground for the spiritual and political center of Israel. [1]
Finally, after battling the Philistines, David establishes Zion, the new tent of worship to house the Ark of the Covenant. Notice his undignified display of worship before the Lord. I can't get over David's proclamation: I will be humiliated in my own eyes. David refused to attenuate his worship to make other people comfortable. His worship was for God's pleasure - not to enhance his own status. David didn't care what other people thought. He was a worshiper!
Why do we care so much what other people think? Isn't what God thinks more important?
[1] John Bright, A History of Israel (Philadelphia: Westminster Press, 1959, 1981), 200.
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