BATHSHEBA, DAVID’S GREAT SIN (PART VI)(An Article by Christian Henry) ~ 1/23/25

“And it came to pass in an eveningtide, that David arose from off his bed, and walked upon the roof of the king's house: and from the roof he saw a woman washing herself; and the woman was very beautiful to look upon. And David sent and enquired after the woman. And one said, Is not this Bathsheba, the daughter of Eliam, the wife of Uriah the Hittite? And David sent messengers, and took her; and she came in unto him, and he lay with her; for she was purified from her uncleanness: and she returned unto her house.” (II Samuel 11:2-4)

Earlier in II Samuel 11, we read that it was the time of year when kings and armies traditionally marched to war, but King David remained in Jerusalem. Because of this, he fell into the great sin of being conquered and led captive by his lust when he looked at Bathsheba bathing. Shortly after, David took and laid with the woman. This week, we’ll conclude our study by considering some lessons we can learn from this sin.

The fall of David, starting in II Samuel 11, is one of the saddest accounts in Scripture. Yet, it also has great value, offering hope about the greatness of God’s forgiving grace while warning us about sin's terrible consequences. As we face our sin, we must navigate between two extremes: despairing that our sin is beyond forgiveness and carelessly thinking we can get away with it.

There are many practical lessons we can learn from the aftermath of David’s sin, but we’ll focus on three:

1. God’s Amazing Grace to Those Who Repent

When David is confronted by the Prophet Nathan, he confesses: “I have sinned against the Lord.” (12:13). Then Nathan declares, “The Lord also hath put away thy sin; thou shalt not die.” God’s forgiveness of David includes the sparing of David’s life (the law required that murderers and adulterers be put to death) and the reconciliation God does of David to Himself. David later writes how the one against whom the Lord counts no iniquity is incredibly blessed (Psa. 32). God’s forgiveness of David shows that God’s way of salvation has always been to the unworthy, by grace through faith.

While the account of David’s great sin is sad, we should be thankful that Scripture records these events. What tremendous hope God’s grace offers to sinners like us, especially when we know how shameful our sins are. God invites sinners to run to him for compassion and abundant pardon.

2. Forgiven Sin Still Has Consequences

While reading of God’s lavish forgiveness is terrific, we should also carefully consider the painful and fitting consequences the Lord brought upon David for his sin. We’re told David’s chastisement was necessary to uphold the Lord’s reputation and teach future generations that sin has consequences. As I’ve studied the latter part of David’s life, I’ve often wondered if it would’ve been easier for him not to have lived and seen the horrible events of his final years (recorded in II Samuel 13-24).

Just consider how God’s words through Nathan played out: the baby conceived by David’s sin died seven days after he was born, the shameful sexual sin and murderous violence in which David engaged is practiced in return by his sons, Amnon and Absalom, and then God shatters David’s kingdom as multiple civil wars tear it apart. Many professing Christians take sin far too lightly. The example of David should remind us that God doesn’t. As Calvin asked, “If God did not spare His servant, David, what right do we have to expect to be exempted?”

3. We Need a Better King Than David

This is a central theme in both Samuel's books. While David surpasses those who came before (and after) him as leaders in Israel, he still falls short of what God’s people need. While his good qualities as the man after God’s heart point ahead to Christ, his fall into sin reminds us that we need a worthy king. Jesus, the Son of David, is a flawless leader who never fails when tested. He had no sins to cover up. He never once abused His power. Israel’s daughters were safe with Him.

Scripture is wonderfully balanced. While God’s grace encourages sinners to turn to Him for forgiveness, His chastisement should encourage us not to take sin lightly. David’s example reminds us that forgiven sin still has consequences, but bitter consequences don’t mean we’re not (or can’t be) forgiven. Behold the kindness and severity of God as you read this section of II Samuel. Don’t doubt God’s willingness to forgive even the greatest sins, and don’t test God by indulging in sin while assuming you’ll be able to repent later.