And David danced before the LORD with all his might; and David was girded with a linen ephod.
David danced before the Lord. The Hebrews, like other ancient people, had their sacred dances, which were performed on their solemn anniversaries and other great occasions of commemorating some special token of the divine goodness and favour, (Exodus 15:20; Judges 11:34; Judges 21:21; 1 Samuel 18:6; Psalms 149:3; Psalms 105:1-45, etc.,) with all his might-intimating a wild movement of the feet with violent efforts of leaping, and, divested of his royal mantle, in a state of undress-conduct apparently unsuitable to the gravity of age or the dignity of a king-the linen ephod being not exclusively the official habit of priest and Levites, but worn frequently by others (cf. 1 Samuel 2:18) who were in any capacity engaged in the service of God. But the laying aside of his kingly attire, and the assumption of this light tunic, was unquestionably done as an act of religions homage, his attitudes and dress being symbolic, as they have always been in Oriental countries, of penitence, joy, thankfulness, and devotion. It was customary for bands of women to meet warriors on their return home (1 Samuel 18:7-8) with music and dancing, one leading the rest, as Miriam also did before the Lord, as "a man of war" (Exodus 15:20). On this accasion David acted himself as the leader, in lieu of Michal, who ought to have lad the female choir (see the notes at 2 Samuel 6:16; 2 Samuel 6:20).