How does David's behavior contrast with God's commands in Exodus 20:14? God’s Clear Standard: Exodus 20:14 “You shall not commit adultery.” • A direct, unambiguous command given at Sinai • Protects marriage, family stability, personal purity, and covenant faithfulness • Applies equally to king and commoner (Deuteronomy 17:18-20) David’s Choice: 2 Samuel 11:2-4 “One evening David got up from his bed and strolled around on the roof of the palace. From the roof he saw a woman bathing—a very beautiful woman. So David sent someone to inquire about her, and he was told, ‘This is Bathsheba, the daughter of Eliam and the wife of Uriah the Hittite.’ Then David sent messengers to bring her, and she came to him, and he slept with her.” Point-by-Point Contrast • God commands sexual purity; David pursues sexual gratification. • God upholds the marriage covenant; David violates another man’s marriage. • God calls for contentment (Proverbs 5:18-20); David covets what is not his. • God warns against lustful looking (Job 31:1; Matthew 5:27-28); David lingers on what he sees. • God expects leaders to model obedience (2 Samuel 23:3-4); David abuses royal power. Cascade of Consequences • Pregnancy leads to attempted cover-up (2 Samuel 11:5-13). • Murder of Uriah escalates the sin (2 Samuel 11:14-17). • Prophetic rebuke by Nathan exposes David (2 Samuel 12:1-12). • Family turmoil, violence, and loss follow (2 Samuel 12–18). • David’s witness before the nations is damaged (2 Samuel 12:14). David’s Road to Restoration • Immediate confession: “I have sinned against the LORD.” (2 Samuel 12:13) • Heartfelt repentance: Psalm 51—“Against You, You only, have I sinned.” • God forgives yet disciplines (2 Samuel 12:13-14; Hebrews 12:5-11). • David accepts consequences, demonstrating genuine contrition (2 Samuel 12:15-23). Lessons for Today • Guard the eyes and heart before desire conceives sin (James 1:14-15). • Position or past victories do not exempt anyone from God’s standards. • Sin’s hidden stage is short; exposure and consequences are inevitable (Numbers 32:23). • Quick confession and true repentance open the door to God’s mercy (1 John 1:9). • God’s grace can redeem failure, but obedience spares us and others from needless pain. |
    |