It is spoken of as symbolical of rejoicing (Ecclesiastes 3:4. Comp. Psalm
30:11; Matthew 11: 17). The Hebrews had their sacred dances expressive
of joy and thanksgiving, when the performers were usually females
(Exodus 15:20; 1 Samuel 18:6).
The ancient dance was very different from that common among Western
nations. It was usually the part of the women only (Exodus 15:20; Judges
11:34; comp. 5:1). Hence the peculiarity of David’s conduct in dancing
before the ark of the Lord (2 Samuel 6:14). The women took part in it with
their timbrels. Michal should, in accordance with the example of Miriam
and others, have herself led the female choir, instead of keeping aloof on
the occasion and “looking through the window.” David led the choir
“uncovered”, i.e., wearing only the ephod or linen tunic. He thought only
of the honour of God, and forgot himself.
From being reserved for occasions of religious worship and festivity, it
came gradually to be practised in common life on occasions of rejoicing
(Jeremiah 31:4). The sexes among the Jews always danced separately. The
daughter of Herodias danced alone (Matthew 14:6).
- DANIEL God is my judge, or judge of God. (1.) David’s second son,
“born unto him in Hebron, of Abigail the Carmelitess” (1 Chronicles 3:1).
He is called also Chileab (2 Samuel 3:3).
(2.) One of the four great prophets, although he is not once spoken of in
the Old Testament as a prophet. His life and prophecies are recorded in
the Book of Daniel. He was descended from one of the noble families of
Judah (Daniel 1:3), and was probably born in Jerusalem about B.C. 623,
during the reign of Josiah. At the first deportation of the Jews by
Nebuchadnezzar (the kingdom of Israel had come to an end nearly a
century before), or immediately after his victory over the Egyptians at the
second battle of Carchemish, in the fourth year of the reign of Jehoiakim
(B.C. 606), Daniel and other three noble youths were carried off to
Babylon, along with part of the vessels of the temple. There he was
obliged to enter into the service of the king of Babylon, and in accordance
with the custom of the age received the Chaldean name of Belteshazzar,
i.e., “prince of Bel,” or “Bel protect the king!” His residence in Babylon
was very probably in the palace of Nebuchadnezzar, now identified with a
mass of shapeless mounds called the Kasr, on the right bank of the river.