Topical Bible: Murder: David

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Topical Encyclopedia

The biblical narrative of David, the second king of Israel, is marked by a complex interplay of faith, leadership, and moral failure. One of the most significant and troubling episodes in David's life is his involvement in the murder of Uriah the Hittite, as recorded in 2 Samuel 11.

Background and Context

David, anointed by God and celebrated for his faithfulness and military prowess, ascended to the throne of Israel after the death of King Saul. His reign was characterized by significant military victories and the establishment of Jerusalem as the political and spiritual center of Israel. However, David's moral integrity was severely compromised in the incident involving Bathsheba and Uriah.

The Incident

The account begins in 2 Samuel 11:1-2 : "In the spring, at the time when kings go off to war, David sent Joab out with the king’s men and the whole army of Israel. They destroyed the Ammonites and besieged Rabbah. But David remained in Jerusalem. One evening David got up from his bed and walked around on the roof of the palace. From the roof he saw a woman bathing. The woman was very beautiful."

David's decision to remain in Jerusalem while his army was at war set the stage for his moral lapse. He saw Bathsheba, the wife of Uriah, and was overcome by desire. Despite knowing she was married, David summoned her and committed adultery with her, resulting in her pregnancy.

The Murder of Uriah

In an attempt to conceal his sin, David called Uriah back from the battlefield, hoping he would sleep with his wife and thus attribute the pregnancy to him. However, Uriah, demonstrating loyalty and integrity, refused to enjoy the comforts of home while his fellow soldiers were in combat. David's plan to cover up his sin failed, leading him to a more sinister plot.

David instructed Joab, his military commander, to place Uriah at the forefront of the fiercest battle and then withdraw, ensuring Uriah's death. 2 Samuel 11:14-15 records David's orders: "In the morning David wrote a letter to Joab and sent it with Uriah. In the letter he wrote: 'Put Uriah in the front line where the fighting is fiercest. Then withdraw from him so he will be struck down and die.'"

Joab followed David's instructions, and Uriah was killed in battle. David's actions were a grave violation of God's commandments, specifically the prohibition against murder (Exodus 20:13).

Divine Judgment and Repentance

The prophet Nathan confronted David with his sin, using a parable to reveal the gravity of his actions. Nathan declared God's judgment upon David, stating that the sword would never depart from his house (2 Samuel 12:10). David's response was one of genuine repentance, as he confessed, "I have sinned against the LORD" (2 Samuel 12:13).

David's penitence is further expressed in Psalm 51, a heartfelt plea for mercy and cleansing. Despite his repentance, the consequences of his sin were severe, affecting his family and reign.

Theological Implications

David's involvement in the murder of Uriah highlights the destructive nature of sin and the importance of accountability and repentance. It serves as a sobering reminder of the potential for moral failure, even among those chosen by God for leadership. David's account underscores the need for vigilance, humility, and reliance on God's grace to overcome temptation and maintain integrity.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

2 Samuel 12:9
Why have you despised the commandment of the LORD, to do evil in his sight? you have killed Uriah the Hittite with the sword, and have taken his wife to be your wife, and have slain him with the sword of the children of Ammon.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

David's Sin, So Admonitory to us Weak Men.
... Ye have seen what wicked schemes he laid and executed, and how, because of his passion
for a woman, he perpetrated a murder"he, David, who was called "the ...
/.../two epistles concerning virginity/chapter x davids sin so admonitory.htm

David and Nathan
... Joab was the torment of David's later days, and Joab's power over him depended upon
his having been the instrument of Uriah's murder; and so the master of the ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/david and nathan.htm

The Life of David Hackston of Rathillet.
... Upon which they chose David Hackston for their commander; but he absolutely refused ...
here to observe, that being asked, if he thought the bishop's death murder? ...
/.../howie/biographia scoticana scots worthies/the life of david hackston.htm

David's Deserts
... He who commits adultery, treachery, and murder, must have been long tampering, at
least in heart, with all these. Had not David been playing upon the edge of ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kingsley/david/sermon iv davids deserts.htm

The Reign of David.
... The act of Abner in coming to David was in reality one of secession. It was soon
followed by the murder of Ishbosheth and the utter failure of Saul's kingdom. ...
/.../tidwell/the bible period by period/chapter xi the reign of.htm

How David Reigned Over one Tribe at Hebron While the Son Of
... 6. When David heard that Abner was slain, it grieved his soul; and he called all
men to ... to God, and crying out that he was not a partaker in the murder of Abner ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 1 how david reigned.htm

Fourth Sunday after Epiphany
... Then, too, he regards his act of murder"permitting David to die of
hunger"not a sin, but a good work and service to God. 11. ...
/.../luther/epistle sermons vol ii/fourth sunday after epiphany.htm

David's Fall 2Sam 11:27
... 8,6,8,6. DAVID's fall 2 Samuel 11:27. How David, when by sin deceived,. From bad
to worse went on! ... He ventured on adult'ry next,. And murder crowned the whole. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/newton/olney hymns/hymn 29 davids fall 2sam.htm

David not Lustful, Though He Fell into Adultery.
... And David's anger being kindled against the man, he commanded that he should be ... about
the killing of the woman's husband,"that is, about the murder of the ...
/.../on christian doctrine in four books /chapter 21 david not lustful though.htm

Abigail's Sensible Advice
... David said to Abigail, "Blessed be Jehovah the God of Israel, who sent you this
day ... A blessing on you, who have kept me this day from murder and from avenging ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/sherman/the childrens bible/abigails sensible advice.htm