2 Samuel 10-12 tells us of the story of David and Bathsheba. David looked, lusted, then lured Bathsheba into an affair while her husband was on a military deployment. The affair resulted in an untimely pregnancy. David’s initial plan to cover his sin failed because of the integrity of Uriah. His second plan resulted in Uriah’s death at the hands of the Ammonites. But it was really David’s doing. After an appropriate time of mourning for Uriah, Bathsheba was brought to the palace where she received the best of care. For months, we see no indication of remorse or repentance on David’s part until the old prophet, Nathan, arrived. When Nathan confronted David about his sins, David finally confessed. Nathan’s response was, “The Lord has taken away your sin; you will not die. HOWEVER, because you treated the Lord with such contempt in this matter, the son born to you will die.” Though it seems cruel and callous, there are some important lessons to take from this event.
1) Every sin we commit towards others is really a sin against God. See chapter twelve verse thirteen.
2) Though God is gracious and merciful, sin often brings difficult consequences. Verse fourteen of chapter twelve tells us that. As cruel as this punishment might seem, it is a reminder that sin, even when finally confronted, confessed, and removed, bears consequences.
It was David’s submission to Yahweh, including the punishments invoked, that led to his restoration and Yahweh blessing him and Bathsheba with the birth of Solomon. If you want to read David’s penitent psalms related to this event, read Psalms 32 and 51.
