David’s Sin of Adultery and Murder

David’s Sin of Adultery and Murder

At a time the Israclites fought with the Ammonites, David remained in Jerusalem. As he was walking on top of his roof, he saw a woman who was taking her bath. David lusted after her and made enquiry about the woman. He was told that the woman was Bathsheba, the wife of Unah, the Hittite, David sent his servants and they brought the woman; he laid with her and she con ceived. David was anxious to cover the sin. He decided to invite Urah to return from the

battle and go back to his house and sleep with his wife. Uriah returned from the battle, but, refused to go back to his house. Every persua sion by David along this line failed. David then colluded with his army commander Joab and Uriah was killed at the battlefield. David took over Bathsheba as his wife. This action of David displeased God so much that rle sent prophet Nathan to rebuke David.

Nathan’s Parable

When Nathan came to David, he told David a parable to illustrate his sin against God. He presented David’s action to him as a case that happened in a certain city. When David heard the parable, he condemned the action, un known to him that he was condemning himself because the parable was refer ring to him.

Precisely, Nathan told David that there were two men in a city, one was rich while the other was poor. The rich had many flocks and herds while the poor man had nothing but one little ewe lamb. This little lamb was very pre cious in the sight of the poor man but, unfortunately, when the rich man had a visitor, he was unwi ‘ing to kill any of his numerous flocks to celebrate with his visitor. However, he went and forcefully took the only lamb belonging to the poor man, killed it and used it to celebrate with his visitors.

David, not knowing that the parable was directed against him, condemned the action and said the person deserved nothing but death and he should be made to restore what he had taken fourfold. Nathan told David that he was the one. Nathan enumerated to David all that the Lord had done for him, yet he despised God and went and killed Uriah-the Hittite and took his wife. Nathan further declared the punishment God had for him for his wicked action.

David’s Punishment

(1) The sword of the Ammonites with which he killed Uriah would not depart from his house.

(ii) God would raise evil against him out of his house.

(iii) His neighbour would sleep with his wives before his eyes and before all Israel.

(iv) The child that was born to him would die.

David’s Repentance

David repented his sin whole-heartedly (II Samuel 12:13) as he confessed, “I have sinned against the Lord.” The Bible recorded that David fisted and lay all night on the ground; he besought God for the child,

although the child still died according to the will of God. It should be recalled that it was because of this sin that David wrote Psalm 51. The content of this Psalm portrays whole-hearted repentance on his part.

David’s reaction to the death of the child born to him by Bathsheba David committed adultery with Bathsheba, Uriah’s wife and had a child For this, God was displeased. God sent prophet Nathan who decreed the death of the child and the child was struck with sickness. When David realised that God was displeased with his act, he interceded for the life of the child and fasted and laid upon the ground. The intercession and admonition of the elders did not change God’s anger, and the child died on the seventh day.

Out of fright, the servants could not report to David lest he harmed him self. The news of the death of his son was later reported to

him. On hearing the news, he arose and had his bath, anointed himself and changed his apparel. He later went to the temple, worshipped God for answering his prayer and re quested for food. His servants were surprised at his behaviour.

David fasted and wept so that God would reverse his intention to take the son’s life. Unfortunately, the child died and he thought fasting is no more necessary. David summed up his courage and believed that He could go to the child but the child could no more come to him.

Lessons to Learn From the whole story of David.

(1) Man should fear and respect God and submit to His will as David did.

() Man should not harm or kill the men of God and kings.

(i) Vengeance is not good, rather, people should leave revenge to God. (iv) People should show fruit of genuine repentance and forgiveness.

(v) They should be ready to accept the will of God in their lives.

(vi) True repentance and forsaking of sins always attract God’s favour and mercy.

You should read DAVID : A MAN AFTER GOD’S OWN HEART