Originally posted in Rabyd Theologian 2.0 on October 26, 2009.
Today this subject gets fun because of two interesting cases — Saul and David get naked in public and in both cases God is involved.
1 Samuel 19:23-24 Chronicles Saul trying to find David but as he gets near his destination he get filled with the Spirit of God — it has two effects: He prophesies and he strips off his clothes and lays naked all day — notice this is what the Spirit of God causes him to do.
2 Samuel 6:12-23: This incident is a little more controversial but based on what Micah said — in dancing before the Lord David uncovered himself. That is he showed his genitals. I would also note that David wore only the ephod so it is completely possible. Many modern interpreters say that in twirling around David showed his undergarments but that would not explain Micah’s anger. What is puzzling is the fact that God sides with David. Micah is the one who pays by being barren the rest of her life for her outburst.
Both incidents are men naked in public — one because of God and the other in praise to God. In the first we have God causing someone to be naked — if getting naked in front of others nakedness is a sin in and of itself, then God just caused someone to sin. Clearly in nakedness and shame there is something else going on here. In the second, a person is exposing themselves to God and others but bears no shame.
Both actually represent something positive, the nakedness is symbolic of openness and vulnerability before God. In both cases God approved. There is some food for thought.
Next: Bathsheba’s Bath
All Things Rabyd 
Those two accounts will throw prudes into conniption-fits if they look at them honestly. God had the perfect opportunity to nip that “public-nudity” in the bud, but He didn’t. Rather than his penis rotting off and his family-jewels shriveling up to raisins, God blessed David with many more children, including Solomon, through whose line David’s Greater Son, Jesus Christ, would come.
Barrenness was the ultimate curse on a woman, and caused her great shame. Those great women in the Old Testament who were blessed with a child late in life always spoke of God “removing my shame”. Michal died childless.
Is our greatest act of worship to God appearing before Him spiritually-open (naked) and unhiding His image by being physically-naked also? Believers who are part of the several nudist congregations around the country certainly see it that way.
God bless!
Steve