Topical Encyclopedia
David, the second king of Israel, is a central figure in the biblical narrative, known for his profound faith, military prowess, and poetic contributions to the Psalms. However, his life also includes moments of moral failure, most notably his adultery with Bath-Sheba, which is recounted in
2 Samuel 11.
The Context of David's SinThe incident occurs during a time when "kings go out to battle" (
2 Samuel 11:1), yet David remains in Jerusalem. This decision marks the beginning of a series of choices that lead to his moral downfall. While his army, led by Joab, besieges the Ammonite city of Rabbah, David is at home, idle and vulnerable to temptation.
The Act of AdulteryOne evening, David rises from his bed and walks on the roof of his palace. From this vantage point, he sees a beautiful woman bathing. Her name is Bath-Sheba, the wife of Uriah the Hittite, one of David's loyal soldiers. Despite knowing her marital status, David sends messengers to bring her to him, and he lies with her, committing adultery (
2 Samuel 11:2-4).
The Consequences of SinBath-Sheba conceives a child as a result of their encounter, and she informs David of her pregnancy (
2 Samuel 11:5). In an attempt to conceal his sin, David devises a plan to bring Uriah back from the battlefield, hoping he will sleep with his wife and assume the child is his own. However, Uriah, demonstrating integrity and loyalty to his fellow soldiers, refuses to enjoy the comforts of home while the Ark and Israel's army are in tents (
2 Samuel 11:6-11).
Frustrated by Uriah's righteousness, David resorts to a more sinister plan. He sends Uriah back to the front lines with a letter to Joab, instructing him to place Uriah in the fiercest part of the battle and then withdraw, ensuring his death (
2 Samuel 11:14-15). The plan succeeds, and Uriah is killed in battle.
The AftermathAfter a period of mourning, Bath-Sheba becomes David's wife and bears him a son. However, "the thing David had done displeased the LORD" (
2 Samuel 11:27). The prophet Nathan confronts David with a parable of a rich man who takes a poor man's only lamb, leading David to pronounce judgment on himself unwittingly. Nathan declares, "You are the man!" and reveals God's judgment: the sword will never depart from David's house, and the child born to Bath-Sheba will die (
2 Samuel 12:1-14).
Repentance and RedemptionDavid's response to Nathan's rebuke is one of genuine repentance. He acknowledges his sin against the LORD, and Nathan assures him that his sin is forgiven, though the consequences remain (
2 Samuel 12:13). David's heartfelt contrition is further expressed in
Psalm 51, a poignant plea for mercy and cleansing.
Despite the gravity of his sin, David's life continues to be marked by God's grace. Bath-Sheba later bears Solomon, who becomes David's successor and a key figure in Israel's history. David's legacy, though marred by this transgression, ultimately points to the mercy and redemptive power of God, who remains faithful to His covenant with David.
Nave's Topical Index
2 Samuel 11:2-5And it came to pass in an evening, that David arose from off his bed, and walked on the roof of the king's house: and from the roof he saw a woman washing herself; and the woman was very beautiful to look on.
Nave's Topical Index
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The Seventh Commandment
... the great abominations that the house of Israel committeth, that ... The concubine of
King Edward III, when he was dying ... When David was idle on the top of his house ...
/.../watson/the ten commandments/2 7 the seventh commandment.htm
Resources
How could David be considered a man after God's own heart? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the story of David and Michal? | GotQuestions.orgWhy did God punish David and Bathsheba's innocent child with death? | GotQuestions.orgDavid: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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