Joy, praise, and thanksgiving. David is not simply righteous and obedient, but his relationship with the Lord is such that he is joyful. He commands that there be music, and singing and dancing to celebrate the transporting of the ark to a new, more permanent home. He participates in that celebration personally. He rejoices in God's law. This sets David apart from the other heroes and leading figures in the Old Testament to this point.
But not everyone is amused. Michal, one of David's wives and the daughter of Saul, for one:
When she saw King David leaping and dancing, she despised him in her heart.
Why, I wonder, does the writer mention this? Well, not everyone appreciates when others are happy or when others find meaning in their lives. I assume that is driven, in many cases, by an emptiness or lack of meaning in their own lives. Whatever the reason, those of us who find that meaning, who experience and express the joy that comes with the knowledge that God is with us, should be prepared for some negative backlash, some hatred or scorn, at some point. That comes as the price (or part of the price, at least) for all the victories the Lord will secure for us, as He did for David. And with David we can and should continue to sing joyfully:
Sing to him, sing his praise,
Proclaim all his wondrous deeds.
Glory to his holy name;
Rejoice, O hearts that seek the Lord!
Look to the Lord in his strength;
Seek to serve him constantly.
Joy, praise, and thanksgiving.
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