“….but the thing that David had done displeased the Lord.” 2 Samuel 11:27
David’s sin with Bathsheba started out with a glance, then a gaze, and then a summons. There is always a progression with sin. It begins subtly in our thoughts and the outcome is often determined at this point. The Holy Spirit will be faithful to warn us, but we must listen. If we choose to ignore the quiet voice, the gentle tuggings at our conscience, we will find ourselves soon heading full speed down the path of iniquity.
Surely at some point while David was gazing upon Bathsheba he felt that nudging. After all, he was a man after God’s own heart. But his desire to please his flesh at that moment was stronger than his desire to please God. And Bathsheba was summoned, a child was conceived and her husband was murdered. David married Bathsheba and life continued……
But the thing that David had done displeased the Lord.
One of the most chilling phrases in the Bible to me is the prophet Nathan’s confrontation of David’s sin. YOU ARE THE MAN! Fear must have gripped David’s heart as he realized his sin was not hidden from the eyes of God. As a man that knew God’s law, he knew the penalty for what he had done was death.
And yet….
Although David did not escape this incident unscathed, God has extended a scepter of grace to him. Justice required his death. Mercy granted him life.
When I think of this story I am reminded of the woman caught in adultery in John 8. As she is brought to Jesus, it is recorded that he was writing on the ground. People have always wondered what he was writing. I think he was writing “David and Bathsheba”.
He is my Delight 