DOES DAVID’S DANCE JUSTIFY WILD WORSHIP?

Introduction

In many charismatic and New Apostolic Reformation (NAR) circles, 2 Samuel 6:14 is often cited as a justification for extreme, uncontrolled expressions of worship, such as erratic dancing, shaking, or even falling to the ground. But does this passage actually support such practices? Let’s take a biblical and contextual look at David’s dance before the Lord.

What Does 2 Samuel 6:14 Say?

“Then David danced before the LORD with all his might; and David was wearing a linen ephod.” (2 Samuel 6:14, NKJV)

This verse describes King David’s joyous response as the Ark of the Covenant was brought back to Jerusalem, symbolizing the return of God’s presence among His people. However, many misinterpret this passage by assuming it endorses any and all forms of ecstatic worship.

Understanding David’s Dance: What It Was (and What It Wasn’t)

1. David’s Dance Was Joyful, But Not Chaotic

The Hebrew word for “danced” (kārār) means to whirl or twirl in joy. While it suggests enthusiastic movement, it does not indicate uncontrollable, frenzied, or bizarre behavior.

David’s dance was likely a culturally appropriate, reverent expression of joy, not an unrestrained, trance-like state as seen in some modern hyper-charismatic gatherings.

2. David’s Dance Was in the Context of a National Celebration

David was celebrating a monumental event—the return of the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem. This was a unique historical occasion, not a prescriptive act that mandates extreme worship practices in the church today.

3. David’s Dance Was Done in Humility, Not to Draw Attention

David was wearing a linen ephod, a simple priestly garment. By setting aside his royal robes, he demonstrated humility before God. His dance was not for self-glorification but was an act of worship and submission.

This contrasts starkly with certain modern worship practices where extreme behaviors often draw attention to the individual rather than pointing people to God.

4. Michal’s Criticism Was About Status, Not Dance Style

David’s wife, Michal, criticized him for behaving in a way she deemed “undignified” (2 Samuel 6:20). However, her issue was not with the act of dancing itself but with the humility and lack of royal decorum he displayed. Nowhere does the text suggest that David was engaged in inappropriate, erratic, or uncontrolled behavior.

Does This Justify Modern NAR Worship Practices?

1. Contrast with Pagan Worship

Many ancient pagan religions used ecstatic, uncontrolled dancing and manifestations as part of their rituals (e.g., the prophets of Baal in 1 Kings 18:26). Biblical worship, however, is characterized by order and reverence.

2. The New Testament Emphasizes Order in Worship

The New Testament gives clear instructions about worship practices:

• 1 Corinthians 14:33 – “For God is not the author of confusion but of peace, as in all the churches of the saints.”
• 1 Corinthians 14:40 – “Let all things be done decently and in order.”
• Galatians 5:22-23 – The fruit of the Spirit includes self-control, not chaotic behavior.

While worship should be passionate and joyful, it must also be reverent and orderly—something the modern NAR movement often neglects.

Conclusion: Worship Must Be Spirit-Led, Not Emotion-Driven

David’s dance before the Lord was an authentic expression of joy and humility, but it does not justify the extreme or erratic manifestations often promoted by NAR churches. True worship is about glorifying God, not drawing attention to ourselves.

As believers, we should strive for a biblical approach to worship—one that is passionate yet reverent, joyful yet orderly, Spirit-led yet self-controlled.