1 Chronicles 20:1; 2 Samuel 11:1-12:14; Psalm 51; 2 Samuel 12:15-25; 2 Samuel 5:14-16; 1 Chronicles 14:3-7; 1 Chronicles 3:5-9

We have here perhaps the most infamous episode in David’s life. Some want to blame Bathsheba here. Some think that it was a joint affair. Others think David took advantage of his position and authority. What does God think?

2 Samuel 12:9 (WEB) “Why have you despised Yahweh’s word, to do that which is evil in his sight? You have struck 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.”

To David’s credit, he repents, and we have a poignant reminder of the promise of God’s mercy and forgiveness:

Psalm 51:17 (WEB) “The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit. O God, you will not despise a broken and contrite heart.”

However, we are also reminded that there are still consequences for our sin. David and Bathsheba lose their child, yet David only mourns while the child is sick. Why? His words are either nihilistic or grounded in the faith of an afterlife. What do you think?!?!?

2 Samuel 12:22-23 (WEB) “He said, ‘While the child was yet alive, I fasted and wept; for I said, “Who knows whether Yahweh will not be gracious to me, that the child may live?” But now he is dead, why should I fast? Can I bring him back again? I will go to him, but he will not return to me.'”

Psalm 16:10 (WEB) “For you will not leave my soul in Sheol, neither will you allow your holy one to see corruption.”

Psalm 17:15 (WEB) “As for me, I shall see your face in righteousness. I shall be satisfied, when I awake, with seeing your form.”

David did a horrible thing with regard to Uriah and Bathsheba. We are going to continue to see how blind spots regarding his family almost cost him the kingdom. But in the midst of it all he continued to have faith in God, and he truly repented of his sins- which is the key! David wasn’t perfect, but he knew that; he revered God’s law, and he sought to serve him. In that we can both honor and emulate his example.