David and Bathsheba

2 Samuel 11:1-12:25

“So, you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall.” 1 Corinthians 10:12

In the King James translation of the Bible, 1 Corinthians 10:12 is worded this way, “Let him who thinks he stand take heed lest he fall.” We all walk with feet of clay. We are all vulnerable to temptation. What can we learn from David’s adultery with Bathsheba and his murder of Uriah?

First, David was idle, perhaps bored. It was spring, the time when kings go out to war. But, David sent Joab out with the troops, and he remained in his bedroom. There is an adage that says, “Idle hands are the devil’s workshop.”

Second, David the shepherd boy had become David the king. He had power, wealth, position--he was on top of his world. In times of great success there is a tendency to become proud and greedy and independent. It is when we are struggling for survival that we realize how completely we are dependent upon God. So, if everything in life is going your way right now, take heed. Be careful. Be on the watch for temptation.

Third, no doubt Bathsheba could see the rooftop of the palace from her house, and she must have known she could be seen from there as she bathed. Not only are we instructed not to sin ourselves, but we are also told not to be a stumbling block to others, not to tempt other people to do wrong. In this situation it “took two to tango”, so Bathsheba may not have been entirely blameless.

Fourth, there is another adage that applies in this situation, “Oh, what a tangled web we weave when first we practice to deceive.” David’s attempt to cover up his part in Bathsheba’s pregnancy led to the murder of one of his most loyal soldiers. David had added more sin to his original sin. When we sin, we need to confess as quickly as possible, not try to cover up.

Fifth, the attempt to cover up the sin didn’t fool everybody. Joab certainly knew. The palace servant who brought Bathsheba to David knew. And God knew!!! The Bible tells us to be sure our sins will find us out. What men do in the dark has a way of being revealed in the light. David took Bathsheba to be his wife, but when their baby was born, the timing was obvious. Swindoll:  “It’s been my observation that most adults can count to nine.”

Sixth, there are adverse consequences to sin, even sin that has been forgiven. You can read how David was affected inwardly by his guilt in Psalms 32 and 51. But there were outward consequences as well. For one, David’s reputation as a godly man was tarnished. When a Christian sins, it gives ammunition for God’s enemies to use. It is not only the sinner who suffers the consequences of sin. Many innocent people get caught in the fall out as well. David and Bathsheba’s little baby died. Nathan told David that the sword would never depart from his house because of what he had done, and Nathan’s prophecies were fulfilled over and over, much to David’s grief.

Father, thank you that, when we are tempted, You always give us a way to escape. May we take Your way out and flee when temptations come. Amen.