David, Bathsheba, & Birth of Solomon – 2 Samuel 11-12
Yesterday, we held up David’s
honorable nature displayed in his treatment of Saul. Today we read about the dishonorable side of
his nature in the events concerning Bathsheba and Uriah her husband. Adultery,
murder, cover-up abound in this story.
David sleeps with Uriah’s wife, has him killed, then tries to cover it
up. He marries Bathsheba. The prophet
Nathan cleverly confronts his hideous behavior and David sees his despicable
behavior for what it is. Then in chapter
12, we learn that Solomon, the future king of Israel is born to Bathsheba. If you were to read the rest of the book of 2
Samuel, you would learn that David’s life is never the same after this whole
affair. His actions set in motion a
cascade of actions that would continue to stir dissension and unrest in his
house for the rest of his days. It is
really quite tragic.
My aim in these devotions is to
always try to offer a hopeful word. And
there is hope in the end of David’s story.
Despite his flawed character, God used him to establish the united
Kingdom of Israel, a nation that persists to this day. He is the author of many Psalms that continue
to comfort and inspire millions. He is remembered as a “man after God’s own
heart.” Despite the dismal last chapter
of his life, David shaped the hopes of a nation for a Messiah that persisted
until Christ came. Taken as a whole,
David’s life is still heroic.
But today’s episode is undeniably a
cautionary tale. Following our unhealthy
desires have consequences that cannot be undone. The sin can be forgiven, but the natural
consequences remain. David came to
accept that and found peace with God in the end. His last recorded words give testimony to
that in 2 Samuel 23. But if he sees
Bathsheba and walks away, his life doesn’t spiral out of control like it
did. Our choices matter, sometimes a
lot. I’m going to let that sit with us
today.
Prayer: God help us
keep our thoughts and actions steered toward the ways that you teach us. Help us to sincerely repent (turn away) when
we stray. Amen.
Prayer Focus: Pray
for those who are dealing with the consequences of their ill-chosen actions.
Song: Your Heart
(David) – Chris Tomlin
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