Second Chances: David and Bathsheba

We are continuing our study on second chances.

King David

We are told that David was a man “after God’s own heart.”  However, we are also shown David’s failures and mistakes.  Like the rest of us, he was not a perfect man and made plenty of mistakes.

1 Kings 15:5 says,  “David did that which was right in the eyes of the Lord, and turned not aside from any thing that he commanded him all the days of his life, save only in the matter of Uriah.”

King David was the most powerful man in the region. When his story begins with Bathsheba, David should be out on the battle field.  We’re not told why he had not joined his people, the Israelites, who were at war with the Ammonites, just that he “tarried in Jerusalem.”  {2 Samuel 11:1}

David is on the roof, when he sees a woman bathing on her own roof.  He found her beautiful and greatly desired her.  He sent for her and Bathsheba went to him.  We are not told why Bathsheba went or how willing she was in David’s seduction of her.

David watching Bathsheba

Bathsheba informed David that she was pregnant and he sought to cover up the seduction.  He sent for her husband, Uriah.  However, Uriah stayed loyal to King David and did not go in to his wife.  When Uriah returned to war, he was put at the front of the line, by the King’s command.  Uriah was killed in battle.

Apparently Bathsheba cared for her husband, because we are told she “mourned for him.”  {2 Samuel 11:26}.  After the mourning period was over, David married Bathsheba.

The Lord sent the prophet Nathan to David and he repented of his sin.  Bathsheba gave birth to a son,

King David and Nathan

who became ill.  We are told that for seven days, David “fasted and spent the nights lying in sackcloth on the ground.” {2 Samuel 12:16}.  After the child died, David “went into the house of the Lord and worshiped.” {2 Samuel 12:20}

David comforted Bathsheba, who later gave birth to a son, Solomon.   As we know, Solomon became king upon his father’s death.

So what can we learn from the story of David and Bathsheba?

1. Sometimes we are in the wrong place at the wrong time
2. Temptation comes when we least expect it. We need to stay on guard ALWAYS.
3. We cannot hide from our sin
4. When no one else sees our sin, God sees and knows
5. Covering up our sin only makes things worse
6. Sin will eventually be exposed
7. No matter how much we fast or bargain with God, sometimes the answer is still no
   

   David, Bathsheba and child

8. Forgiveness does not mean forgotten
9. There are always consequences to our sin
10. God wants us to worship Him regardless of how difficult circumstances become
11. If we truly repent, God will bless us in His time
12. God can use this for His good and His glory

How has sin being exposed taught you a lesson?

For others in the second chances series: Jonah, Job, Rahab and Moses