Read 2 Samuel 10:1
Highlights:
Whenever we experience victories in life, we must never forget that Satan will tempt us to sin as he tempted David. Nathan's parable and David's repentance; birth of Solomon.
David, King of Israel, had never lost a war and had grown accustomed to getting his way. It came to pass, after the year was expired (in the spring), at the time when kings go forth to battle, that David sent Joab . . . and all (soldiers of) Israel. . . . But David tarried still at Jerusalem (just to relax) (II Sam. 11:1). When there is something or someone to tempt us, we must choose to deny the gratification of our fleshly desires for there are always consequences (Heb. 11:25-26).
In the next event of David's life, his conduct was typical of an eastern monarch. For the king to take the wife of a lowly soldier might have seemed insignificant to David; because once the deed was done, he, no doubt, performed all his official tasks just as before, and even went to the services of the Tabernacle with no one the wiser. At the time, there does not seem to be one consequence to interfere with his sin. But the thing . . . displeased the Lord (11:27). Until this sin, David had risen in power with one mighty victory after another. He was undoubtedly one of the most godly men of his time. In His righteousness and holiness God is no respecter of persons (Acts 10:34). Uriah's death and David's act of adultery could not go unnoticed. God saw David's sin.
Nathan the prophet boldly confronted the king: Wherefore hast thou despised the Commandment of the Lord, to do evil in His sight? (II Sam. 12:9). Because of David's adultery, Nathan foretold: Now therefore the sword shall never depart from thine house; because thou hast despised Me, and hast taken the wife of Uriah the Hittite to be thy wife. Thus saith the Lord, Behold, I will raise up evil against thee out of thine own house, and I will take thy wives before thine eyes, and give them unto thy neighbour, and he shall lie with thy wives in the sight of this sun (publicly) (12:10-11). Deeply grieved and repentant, David confessed: I have sinned against the Lord. And Nathan said unto David, The Lord also hath put away thy sin; thou shalt not die (12:13). David's sin was forgiven but, as foretold by the prophet, its consequences of suffering, incest, rebellion, civil war, and revolt continued throughout his life.
David's lustful desire may have been curbed if Bathsheba responded, as did Tamar, and said: Nay . . . do not force me; for no such thing ought to be done in Israel (II Sam. 13:12).
Thought for Today:
Only fear the Lord, and serve Him in truth with all your heart: for consider how great things He hath done for you (I Sam. 12:24).
Christ Revealed:
In the prophet Nathan giving Solomon the name Jedidiah, which means beloved of the Lord (II Sam. 12:24-25). Christ was greatly loved by His Heavenly Father. Jesus prayed: Father . . . Thou lovedst Me before the foundation of the world (John 17:24).
Word Studies:
10:12 play the men show our courage and strength; 11:1 after the year was expired in the spring of the following year; 11:8 mess of meat gift of food; 12:4 spared refused; 12:11 in the sight of this sun publicly for all Israel to know; 12:31 put them under saws enslaved, made to work with saws.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for International Broadcasts sponsored by A Family That Loves Jesus • Staff: Rita Guerra • Government Official: Rep. Laura Richardson (CA) • Country: Chad (7 million) in north-central Africa • Major languages: French and Arabic • Limited religious freedom • 35% Muslim; 31% animist; 11% Protestant; 5% Roman Catholic • Prayer Suggestion: Raise your hands in praise and prayer, and worship the Lord (I Tim. 2:8).
Optional Reading: Acts 15:1
Memory Verse for the Week: Psalms 119:10
