Topical Bible: Temptation: Yielding to David, to Commit Adultery

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Introduction

The narrative of King David's temptation and subsequent sin of adultery is a profound account found in the Old Testament, specifically in 2 Samuel 11. This episode serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of yielding to temptation and the far-reaching consequences of sin. David, a man after God's own heart, succumbs to his desires, leading to a series of tragic events that affect his reign and family.

The Context

David, the second king of Israel, was a revered leader and a man chosen by God. His reign was marked by military victories and the unification of Israel. However, during a time when kings typically went to war, David remained in Jerusalem. This decision set the stage for his temptation and fall.

The Temptation

The account begins with David's idle presence in Jerusalem. "One evening David got up from his bed and strolled around on the roof of the palace. And from the roof he saw a woman bathing—a very beautiful woman" (2 Samuel 11:2). This moment of temptation was not merely a visual encounter but a test of David's heart and integrity.

Yielding to Temptation

Despite knowing God's commandments, David's desire overpowered his commitment to righteousness. He inquired about the woman and learned she was Bathsheba, the wife of Uriah the Hittite. Ignoring the sanctity of marriage, David sent for Bathsheba and committed adultery with her. "Then David sent messengers to get her, and when she came to him, he slept with her" (2 Samuel 11:4).

Consequences of Sin

The immediate consequence of David's sin was Bathsheba's pregnancy. In an attempt to conceal his wrongdoing, David orchestrated a plan to bring Uriah home from battle, hoping he would sleep with his wife and believe the child was his. However, Uriah's loyalty to his fellow soldiers and the ark of God prevented him from enjoying the comforts of home. "Uriah said to David, 'The ark and Israel and Judah are dwelling in tents, and my master Joab and my lord’s men are camped in the open field. How can I go to my house to eat and drink and lie with my wife? As surely as you live and as your soul lives, I will not do such a thing!'" (2 Samuel 11:11).

Frustrated by Uriah's integrity, David resorted to a more sinister plan. He instructed Joab, the commander of his army, to place Uriah at the front lines of battle, where the fighting was fiercest, ensuring his death. "In the morning David wrote a letter to Joab and sent it with Uriah. In the letter he instructed: 'Put Uriah at the forefront of the fiercest battle, then withdraw from him, so that he may be struck down and killed'" (2 Samuel 11:14-15).

Divine Reproach

David's actions displeased the Lord, and the prophet Nathan was sent to confront him. Through a parable, Nathan revealed David's sin, leading to David's repentance. "Then David said to Nathan, 'I have sinned against the LORD.' 'The LORD has taken away your sin,' Nathan replied. 'You will not die. Nevertheless, because by this deed you have shown utter contempt for the word of the LORD, the son born to you will surely die'" (2 Samuel 12:13-14).

Legacy and Lessons

David's yielding to temptation serves as a sobering reminder of the human propensity to sin, regardless of one's status or past faithfulness. The consequences of his actions were severe, affecting his family and kingdom. Yet, David's repentance and God's forgiveness highlight the possibility of redemption and restoration, even after grave sin. This narrative underscores the importance of vigilance, accountability, and reliance on God's strength to resist temptation.

Nave's Topical Index

2 Samuel 11:2-5
And 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

Library

Psalm XXXV.
... When temptation cometh, the dust is raised, it neither standeth ... the firm in heart,
the strong, yielding to no ... Even that David shall deliver the poor from him ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm xxxv.htm

Period iii. The Critical Period: AD 140 to AD 200
... of the Church was a natural temptation in view ... in Edessa kill their wives who commit
adultery, nor their ... ignorant and women, credulous and yielding on account ...
/.../a source book for ancient church history/period iii the critical period .htm

Psalm LXII.
... in behalf of Idithun, a Psalm to David himself." I ... of the slain multiplying the faithful,
yielding to these ... that His suffering thee to bear temptation, be His ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm lxii.htm

The Life and Death of Mr. Badman,
... is not the root, but rather the temptation unto wickedness ... is, as the apostle says,
a yielding of 'members ... Thus Shimei cursed David; he sentenced him for and to ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the life and death of.htm

Tit. 2:06 Thoughts for Young Men
... weak point,"he was too easy and yielding in his ... will rise up in your hearts in the
moment of temptation. ... If David had not given occasion to the devil, by ...
/.../chapter xix tit 2 6 thoughts.htm

part ii
... us in the words of the prophet David: "Our soul ... himself to shame; and yet he continues
to commit adultery. ... Lead us not into temptation [and you, yourself, must ...
//christianbookshelf.org/calvin/my life in christ/part ii.htm

Grace Abounding to the Chief of Sinners Or, a Brief Relation of ...
... times, most fiercely assaulted with this temptation, To sell ... So I considered David's
adultery, and murder, and found them ... no forgiveness; and must I commit this ...
/.../bunyan/grace abounding to the chief of sinners/grace abounding to the chief.htm

A Traveler's Note-Book
... by that great dimly-seen personality, Moses, who taught that the worship of Yahveh
forbade murder, adultery, theft, false ... Later, we have David, the warrior king ...
/.../merriam/the chief end of man/iii a travelers note-book.htm

The Resurrection of the Dead, and Eternal Judgment:
... or as when a man ceaseth to be any more in this world, as David, whom Peter ... candid
a creature, that take him when he is not under some great temptation, and he ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the resurrection of the dead.htm

An Exposition on the First Ten Chapters of Genesis, and Part of ...
... now upon the waves of affliction and temptation, when thou ... distinctly, or together,
as such, is to commit most gross ... is the fruit of a tree yielding seed; to ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/an exposition on the first.htm