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An Embittered Woman

Read: 2 Samuel 6:12-23

[Michal] saw King David leaping and dancing before the LORD, and she despised him in her heart. (v. 16)

The book of Hebrews has good advice for Michal: “See to it that . . . no ‘root of bitterness’ springs up and causes trouble, and by it many become defiled” (Heb. 12:15). During a time of great joy in Israel, as the ark of the covenant was brought into Jerusalem, Michal cut herself off from her people and their celebration. Today’s passage is the last we read of her in the Bible—an embittered woman, alone and apparently estranged from her husband.

Clothed in a simple linen ephod (such as the priests wore), David led his people in worship and celebration as the ark, which represented God’s presence, entered the city. Michal was not part of this celebration. She watched from the window, unmoved by the singing and dancing. Later, her sarcastic words to David concerning his lack of dignity before his people showed she neither understood the importance of the ark, nor her husband’s love and devotion to Israel’s God. Her reaction was more than just her disgust at the dancing! It came from a heart of bitterness, and it excluded her from the joy and the blessing that could have been hers.

If bitterness hurts us and separates us from others, then repentance and forgiveness can certainly restore us again. Such forgiveness isn’t easy, but it’s the only path forward to peace and joy.

As you pray, ask God to help you forgive any person towards whom you have been bitter.

About the Author

Laura Sweet

Laura N. Sweet is a wife, mother, grandmother, and former Christian schoolteacher from Midland, Michigan. She writes devotional material for both adults and children, and her work has appeared in more than a dozen publications.

This entry is part 6 of 16 in the series The Wives of David
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