Thursday, August 1 – 2 Samuel 11, 12 – Additional Reading, Patriarchs and Prophets Chapter 71, “David’s Sin and Repentance”

1. Why did David fall into temptation? 2 Samuel 11:1, 2 Samuel 12:9

2. What consequences did David’s sin bring? 2 Samuel 11:2-4; 2 Samuel 11:9-10, 13, 15, 25, 27; 12:10, 14

3. How did God intervene to make David reflect? 2 Samuel 11:11, 13; 2 Samuel 12:9

4. Does God accept murderers’ repentance? 2 Samuel 12:13

Commentary and Reflection:

It was customary for the kings of Western Asia to begin their military campaigns by the time when the story of David’s sin against God and Bathsheba took place. It was in the spring, right after winter had ended. “The Assyrian annals show that almost invariably the spring of the year was chosen for the armies to conduct their campaigns. With the Assyrians these were annual expeditions.” SDA Bible Commentary, 2 Samuel 11:1.

King David was aware of this custom of the kings. He had little left to conquer from the previous year. He still had to fight the Ammonites, allied of the Assyrians.

David was proud of all the victories God had given him and did not go to fulfill his duty as king this time. “The greatness of his success exposed him to his greatest danger. Satan chose this moment to bring upon the king of Israel a temptation that was to cause him deep humiliation and disgrace. David tragically forgot that there was an enemy greater than men. Feeling himself strong and secure against his earthly enemies, intoxicated by his prosperity and success, while receiving the plaudits of men, Israel’s honored hero and saint was thrown off his guard. Imperceptibly the inner defenses of his soul had weakened, until he yielded to a temptation that transformed him into a shameless sinner.” SDA Bible Commentary, 2 Samuel 12:9.

The consequences of sin can be innumerable. Temptations enter through the senses; in David’s case, they enter through his eyes and turn into covetousness, lust, and, finally, murder (2 Samuel 11:2, 4). When the spiritual life goes unnourished, the old carnal nature grows and takes hold (Romans 8:5, 6).

David sinned against Uriah’s home, 2 Samuel 11:8. He caused Joab to sin, making him an accomplice to his crime, 2 Samuel 11:15. He entered a state of insensitivity to sin, 2 Samuel 11:25. Due to his bad example, his household would suffer consequences, 2 Samuel 12:11. His poor testimony to other nations would cause them to blaspheme against The Lord, and it became an obstacle for nations to know the true God, 2 Samuel 2:14.

God always intervenes to rescue the sinner; in His mercy and love for His children, He invites the sinner to repent. God used Uriah himself, Bathsheba’s husband and loyal soldier, on two occasions, 2 Samuel 11:11, 13, and then the prophet Nathan, 2 Samuel 12:9.

True repentance and confession are the keys to receiving God’s forgiveness. While David tried his hardest to hide his despicable act, he sank deeper and deeper into the mire of sin. The prophet Nathan subtly told him a story that ultimately applied to him and finally made him realize how great his sin had been, 2 Samuel 12:1-7. Then he acknowledged his fault, 2 Samuel 12:13. God forgives sin, but the consequences remain, 2 Samuel 12:15, 18.

God loves His children and desires to bless them. Still, we must understand that these blessings are conditional on our relationship with Him and our obedience to his commandments. His counsel and commandments will always be for the good of His children.

May God help you understand the horror of sin and always live under the guidance of His Word. May our eyes be fixed on Jesus.

May the gates and windows of heaven open for you and your family.