Lessons from King David: Bathsheba

David has sent his men to fight the Ammonites. We are not told why he did not go with them, but he is at the palace where he “got up from taking his nap and was strolling on the roof of the palace.” {2 Samuel 11:2}

Bathsheba was beautiful

So, what does he see when he is walking around?

A woman!

A beautiful woman! “The woman was stunningly beautiful.” {2 Samuel 11:3}

Who is bathing!

David sent for her and went to bed with her.

We are not told if the woman, who is named Bathsheba, went to his bed willingly or not. However, when the king summons you, there is really little choice.

David was immediately drawn to Bathsheba

Shortly after she returns home, she discovers that she is pregnant and sends word to David.

But, there is a complication. Bathsheba is married to Uriah, who is off at war.

So, David sends for him and encourages him to go home.

“But Uriah didn’t go home. He slept that night at the palace entrance, along with the king’s servants.” {2 Samuel 11:9}

Uriah states that as long as the other men are fighting, he will not go home.

The next day, David got him drunk but he still refused to go home. {2 Samuel 11:13}

So, David sends a note to put Uriah on the front line.

Anyone on the front line, is probably not going to survive the battle.

Uriah died in battle

Words comes back that Uriah the Hittite is one of eighteen soldiers killed in battle.

Bathsheba grieved for her husband and when her mourning was over, David sent for him and she became his wife.

“But God was not at all pleased with what David had done.” {2 Samuel 11:27}

The prophet Nathan goes to David and tells him about a rich man that takes from a poor man. David is so angry that he explodes, until Nathan says “You’re the man!” {2 Samuel 12}

David comforted Bathsheba over the death of their first child

Nathan confronts David on his sin. Maybe he thought no one would know what he had done and he could keep his transgressions a secret.

David confesses “I’ve sinned against God.” {2 Samuel 12:13}

Nathan pronounced, “Yes, but that’s not the last word. God forgives your sin. You won’t die for it. But because of your blasphemous behavior, the son born to you will die.” {2 Samuel 12:14}

David tears his clothes and fast for the child, that he will get well. But, as Nathan promised the child dies. Then David gets up and washes and changes clothes and then “went into the sanctuary and worshiped.” {2 Samuel 12:20}

Even before eating anything, he goes to worship the Lord.

“While the child was alive,” he said, “I fasted and wept, thinking God might have mercy on me and the child would live. But now that he’s dead, why fast? Can I bring him back now? I can go to him, but he can’t come to me.” {2 Samuel 12:22-23}

Bathsheba became the mother to Solomon

David and Bathsheba would have five more sons, including his successor, Solomon. However, one of their other sons is named Nathan, presumably for the prophet.

David tried to cover up his sin, but he could not hide from the Lord. When he was confronted, he confessed his sin and was forgiven. But, there were still consequences for his actions.

We all have things that we have done to which we are ashamed. But, even when no one else knows the Lord knows and there are consequences.

Do you confess your sins to the Lord?

 

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**Pictures from FreeBibleImages.org

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