April 13, 2024

Oh, that we might live under the reign of a man such as Solomon. His kingdom lived in peace and prosperity; food was abundant, safety was sure, and the people thrived. Solomon was so full of wisdom that he spoke three thousand proverbs and wrote one thousand-five songs. The description of his kingdom is much like I would expect it to be when Jesus returns to rule and reign. It reminds me of what the angels declared to the shepherds when they announced the birth of Christ in Luke 2:14: “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men.” Because we trust in Jesus and he is our King, we will one day understand what it’s like to live in the kingdom of God, but until then, we can imagine such a kingdom by reading the description of Solomon’s kingdom in 1 Kings 4:20-34. The scriptures give us hope. Our trials and tribulations make us long for better days. Remember, Jesus said if you love your life, you will lose it, but if you hate your life in this world, you will keep it for eternity. Don’t worry if you don’t see Jesus’s return; you will see him before us. You should only worry if you haven’t trusted him with your life. We are only here temporarily; eternity is forever, and that’s a mighty long time. Make sure you pass on to the next life with Jesus! 

He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal. John 12:25

And God gave Solomon wisdom and understanding exceeding much, and largeness of heart, even as the sand that is on the sea shore. 1 Kings 4:29

April 12, 2024

Solomon married Pharaoh’s daughter, built his house, and walled in Jerusalem. He went to Gibeon, where the altar was, and sacrificed a thousand burnt offerings to the Lord. When he fell asleep, God visited him in a dream and told Solomon to make his request, and He would give him whatever he asked. Solomon, concerned about judging the great nation of Israel, asked for an understanding heart to discern between good and evil. God was very pleased with his answer and committed to giving him the things he hadn’t asked for, like long life, riches, and honor. When he awakened and realized it was a dream, he made a peace offering before the ark and a feast for his servants. 

Then came a test of his wisdom. Two women, who were both pregnant at the same time, delivered their babies three days apart. However, one of the women laid on her child, killing it. While the other woman was sleeping, she switched the babies, giving the other woman the dead one. They went before Solomon with their case because the one mother knew the dead baby wasn’t hers. Solomon offered a solution, had someone bring a sword to him, and offered to divide the living child in half. The birth mother told him to give the baby to the other woman, not wanting to see harm come to her child, but the woman of the dead baby told him to go ahead and divide it so neither of them could have it. That’s when Solomon knew which mother the baby belonged to. The birth mother would never want the child to be harmed. 

We all need wisdom and discernment, and it seems God will give us that gift if we ask. We live in a world that is full of ignorance and stupidity, and more people need to ask God for these things. Keep praying for God to open the eyes of those who lack intelligence, and maybe the world will become a better place to live until Jesus returns. 

Give therefore thy servant an understanding heart to judge thy people, that I may discern between good and bad: for who is able to judge this thy so great a people? 1 Kings 3:9

April 11, 2024

David knew he was about to die, so he gave Solomon a list of treasonous people that he should remove by way of death to ensure he would have a peaceful kingdom. David died and was buried in the City of David. Adonijah went to Bathsheba, asking her for a favor. Adonijah knew that if he could marry David's concubine Abishag, who had ministered to him during his sickness, he could take over the kingdom. Bathsheba went to Solomon and asked him for that favor, but he saw through Adonijah's intentions and sent for him to be killed. It seems that Joab and Abiathar, the priest, may have put Adonijah up to ask for Abishag. After hearing what happened to Adonijah, Joab ran and took hold of the horns of the altar and wouldn't let them go, knowing he was about to be killed. He must have thought Solomon wouldn't kill him at the altar, but because of his treason and his killing of two innocent men during a time of peace, Solomon had him taken out, even at the altar, if he wouldn't leave. For his part, Abiathar, the priest, was removed from his official duties. Shimei, one of the men on David’s list was sentenced to stay in Jerusalem, never allowing him to leave or face death if he did. A couple of years later, Shimei’s servants ran away to the Philistines, and he went after them. Solomon heard about it and had him killed.

If people nowadays were held accountable for their actions quickly and decisively, the nations of this world would be more peaceful. Let us hope that God's plan of justice for the heinous acts committed against the people will be carried out soon and the treacherous people held to account.

Now therefore hold him not guiltless: for thou art a wise man, and knowest what thou oughtest to do unto him; but his hoar head bring thou down to the grave with blood. 1 Kings 2:9

April 10, 2024

The rest of the story of David continues into 1 Kings. However, his reign ends because he is sick and feverish; they hire a young woman to care for him. Adonijah, one of David's sons, took it upon himself to proclaim that he would become king; however, before he was anointed, some of David's people heard about what was happening and went to Bathsheba and encouraged her to go to David and speak to him because he had told her that Solomon would reign after him. Nathan, the prophet, came in to back her up. Then David called them back before him and instructed them to bring Solomon, having him ride on the king's mule. Riding the king's mule was a capital offense without the king's permission, so this was evidence that Solomon was next in line for the throne. They anointed Solomon, blew the trumpet, and had a big party. Adonijah heard the commotion from a distance, enquired about what he was hearing, and then became fearful when he learned Solomon was anointed king. Then all the people that were celebrating with him left. He ran and placed his hands on the horns of the altar. Adonijah's servants begged for his life, and Solomon, being reasonable, told them that if he showed himself a worthy man, he wouldn't kill him, but if he were wicked, he would die. They brought him down from the altar and took him to Solomon; he bowed himself before Solomon, and Solomon sent him home. 

If you decide to take things upon yourself rather than waiting on God, he will put you back in your place, and whatever good he had in store for you will have to wait. Adonijah jumped the gun, knowing his father, David, was sick. He was embarrassed and nearly died for running ahead of God's plan. Have patience and wait for it; it shall surely come. 

And let Zadok the priest and Nathan the prophet anoint him there king over Israel: and blow ye with the trumpet, and say, God save king Solomon. Then ye shall come up after him, that he may come and sit upon my throne; for he shall be king in my stead: and I have appointed him to be ruler over Israel and over Judah. 1 Kings 1:34-35

April 9, 2024

For an unknown reason, King David decided to take a census and count all the people of Israel and Judah. God knew David’s heart and attributed it to pride and, therefore, a sin against Him. Why did he need to know? Maybe David wanted to see if God had delivered on His promise to Abraham that they would be more than the stars of the heavens. Even if David wanted to see how many fighting men he had, it was wrong because God was the only reason they would win at war, not by their own hand. God gave David three choices for punishment: famine, war, or pestilence. David chose the shortest, which was three days of pestilence. Seventy thousand people died. David repented and bought a property from Araunah the Jebusite to build an altar for a burnt offering to God. David could see the angel preparing to pour out God’s wrath on Jerusalem, but because David repented, God ceased the execution by telling the angel to stop. God is just. Don’t think David’s sin was the only reason for the punishment; the people were also sinning and needed correction; otherwise, they wouldn’t have needed their sins rectified. God is gracious and has given us Jesus as our Savior to keep us from eternal damnation, but he will punish us if necessary to bring us into submission and teach us to avoid sin. I suggest repenting daily, but more so if you recognize your sin, iniquity, or transgression. 

It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God. Hebrews 10:31 

And David built there an altar unto the LORD, and offered burnt offerings and peace offerings. So the LORD was intreated for the land, and the plague was stayed from Israel. 2 Samuel 24:25

April 8, 2024

We were invited to enjoy the music of an Australian guitarist and singer on tour. He was very talented and wrote and composed his own music and songs. He seemed to prefer the blues type of music and had some very interesting compositions. One thing that piqued my interest was his ability to write songs quickly after pondering the subject matter. Though he’s no King David, his talent was impressive for a modern-day audience. 

We are reaching the end of 2 Samuel with only one more chapter to cover after today. However, chapter 23 covers David’s last words. David is admired by the writer of this portion of 2 Samuel, who calls him a sweet psalmist, and I would agree with him. Understandably, God would call him a man after his heart. He composed some of the most beautiful, heartfelt words of prayer and praise as an offering to God. Even though we may not be as eloquent as David, our words of prayer and praise should be as heartfelt; I fail at this more often than not, but I still try. Lift your heart and release your passion to Him who loves you more than anything, and feel the release of peace pass over you because of your faithfulness. 

Now these be the last words of David. David the son of Jesse said, and the man who wasraised up on high, the anointed of the God of Jacob, and the sweet psalmist of Israel, said, The Spirit of the LORD spake by me, and his word was in my tongue. 2 Samuel 23:1-2

April 7, 2024

David was grateful to God for his deliverance from all the evil that sought to destroy him. His heart poured out songs of thanks, giving God the glory for his salvation. Though we know David wrote many psalms, 2 Samuel 22 is also a wonderful song glorifying God for saving him from his enemies. As Christians, we face a lot of evil, wanting us demolished because of our faith in Jesus. When you became His follower, you immediately received a target on your back; even now, the enemy wants to sift you like flour and force you into submission. Your life might be intense, but God will not let you become undone. Yes, we go through trials, but if we wholly rely on God, he will deliver us from evil just as He did David. We are loved beyond compare by a mighty and holy God who will never leave or forsake us. Rest easy, knowing that whatever you are going through, God sees, and His recompense for the wicked is something we will never have to face. Because we are secure in Jesus’s love and mercy, we will only see his wrath with our eyes but feel the warmth of being wrapped in His peace and held by His love.

And he said, The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer;

The God of my rock; in him will I trust: he is my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my high tower, and my refuge, my saviour; thou savest me from violence.

I will call on the LORD, who is worthy to be praised: so shall I be saved from mine enemies. 2 Samuel 22:2-4

April 6, 2024

Have you ever wondered why you were going through seemingly unending trials? Israel was in famine for three years before David asked God why. When he finally asked God, He answered and gave him the remedy. David found out that Saul had reneged on a promise made to the Gibeonites, who were not Israelites, and after consulting with them, he realized that they required blood to avenge the blood that was shed during Saul's reign. They wanted seven of his sons, which included grandsons, and they were sacrificed by hanging to avenge that blood. They were not guilty of a crime, yet it was what was required to satisfy the guilt and bring rain for the crops. I found it hard to make this make sense, but we must remember that Israel was under the Old Covenant, which required that the sins of the father be passed on to the children. From this story, we can reflect on the similarity to the crucifixion of our Savior, Jesus, who died to avenge the blood we shed by our sins. Because of his sacrifice, the father's sins are no longer required to be passed on to the children.

One of the lessons I learned from this chapter is to ask God what might be causing our trouble so we can ask forgiveness and hopefully alleviate our pain. The relief may not happen immediately; it took several days for these men to hang in the open before the rain fell, but surely God will tell you so you can make amends if that's what He requires. We are not randomly bouncing through the atmosphere; everything has meaning and is part of a greater plan. 

For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. Matthew 7:8

Then there was a famine in the days of David three years, year after year; and David enquired of the LORD. And the LORD answered, It is for Saul, and for his bloody house, because he slew the Gibeonites. 2 Samuel 21:1

April 5, 2024

A man named Sheba rebelled against David. When David returned to Jerusalem, he gave Amasa the task of assembling the men of Judah within three days to go after him. When he wasn't back in the allotted time, Joab's men went out to pursue Sheba. However, Joab was jealous of Amasa because David had appointed him captain of the host over him. When he met up with him, he tricked him by pretending to be his friend and killed him without hesitation. Then Joab went after Sheba, who was locked behind his city's walls. Joab was going to destroy the town to find this man when an intelligent woman called to him, chastising him for planning to ravage the city and hurt a mother in Israel. He told her he wouldn't harm the city if they delivered Sheba to him. She told him that his head would be thrown over the wall, and the people cut off Sheba's head and threw it over the wall. Joab was satisfied and blew the trumpet, and they left without harming the city or the people. This unnamed woman saved the town. 

David's ten concubines, whom he left to manage the house while he was gone, that Absolom slept with while rebelling against him, ended up in confinement until they died, living like widows because they were defiled. 

Much like David returning to Jerusalem, we wait patiently for our King Jesus to return to rule and reign. However, the enemy has defiled many, and they will be locked away forever. Rejoice that you are sealed within Jesus and protected from destruction because he has pardoned all our sins.

I am one of them that are peaceable and faithful in Israel: thou seekest to destroy a city and a mother in Israel: why wilt thou swallow up the inheritance of the LORD? And Joab answered and said, Far be it, far be it from me, that I should swallow up or destroy. 2 Samuel 20:19-20

April 4, 2024

Joab strongly chastised David for not cleaning himself up to meet and compliment the men for their victory over the usurper, Absolom, and his army. He grieved his son. However, David saw his error, acquiesced, anointed his head with oil, and went to the gate to meet the people. Even though David could rightfully regain access to his home and throne, he wanted all the tribes to invite him back rather than retake it by force, so he waited for them to agree before assuming power. He sent his priest to encourage them to invite him back. David pardoned his servants who rallied against him because they begged forgiveness. 

Remember Mephibosheth, the son of Jonathan, the son of Saul? Ziba lied to David about him, saying he was waiting in Jerusalem to take over the kingdom. Because of his lies, David gave Ziba everything that belonged to Mephibosheth, but Mephibosheth met him and told him what Ziba had done, so David made them split his estate between them. 

David was a fair king and forgave his enemies just like Jesus did. If David could forgive all those who came against him, why can't we forgive minor issues? We must learn from David, follow Jesus' words, forgive our enemies, and live a life of peace. We do not have to entertain those who've grieved us, but we must forgive them and move on. 

Therefore the king said unto Shimei, Thou shalt not die. And the king sware unto him. 2 Samuel 19:23

April 3, 2024

The unusual death of Absolom is a story that has stuck with me since I heard it as a child. In the heat of battle, which took place in the woods of Ephraim, Absolom’s donkey ran him under a tree with very low branches, and they caught his luxurious hair and snatched him off the donkey who left him hanging there. And being unable to untangle himself, he was left vulnerable. Some of David’s men saw him there and reported it to Joab. They feared killing him because David had given orders to deal gently with him, just as any parent might respond concerning their child; no matter how evil they might be, most parents don’t want to see their child’s life end. However, to save the kingdom and do the will of God, Joab shot him with three darts and wounded him, and his men finished him off. They buried him in a pit and covered him with a heap of rocks. Joab sent Cushi to deliver the message of victory to David, but Ahimaaz, a young priest who was a fast runner, wanted to deliver it. Joab preferred Cushi deliver it, probably because he didn’t know how David would react to the message of the death of his son. Ahimaaz outran Cushi but allowed Cushi to give him the news of Absolom’s death. Even though this was a victory for David and his small army, he was crushed by the news and retired to his room in grief. 

I understand David’s reaction because our family has also dealt with a child turning and fighting against us, but at no point have we ever wanted them dead. The pain is unbearable, but we are thankful they are still alive. However, David’s kingdom was at stake, and the victory ensured that he continued as king and owed his fighting men praise. When God hands us victory, even if we are sad, we must remember to thank the Lord because He is the One who saved us. 

And the king was much moved, and went up to the chamber over the gate, and wept: and as he went, thus he said, O my son Absalom, my son, my son Absalom! would God I had died for thee, O Absalom, my son, my son! 2 Samuel 18:33

April 2, 2024

David's good friend, Hushai, had made himself a friend of Absolom, too. So when Ahithophel, another of Absolom's wise counselors, gave him advice to go after David and kill only him and bring the rest of the people back who had fled with David, Hushai came up with a better idea, which Absolom decided to take. Ahithophel later went back to his hometown and killed himself because Absolom liked Hushai's counsel better. Hushai reminded Absolom that his dad was a brave warrior, and so were the men with him, and it would be better to take them all out. Hushai then told the priest to send word to David and tell him not to stay out in the open because Absolom would be coming for him. A young man saw them and reported the priest to Absolom, but they both disappeared quickly and went into a friend's home, where a woman hid them in a well and covered the well with a cloth and corn to disguise it. The women told the men that they had gone over the brook. When they left, the priests ran and told David and all who were with him crossed over the Jordan and lodged there. Shobi and Machir brought them beds and provisions. 

Absolom knew Hushai was very good friends with his dad, so why did he trust him? I believe God stopped him from reasoning well so He could provide a way for David to escape. Once again, God's plans prevailed for the one He loved. Those outside of our faith in Jesus will not win against us; God's plans are not to harm us. Though we may be troubled like David at times, everything falls together for our good in the end. 

Then David arose, and all the people that were with him, and they passed over Jordan: by the morning light there lacked not one of them that was not gone over Jordan. 2 Samuel 17:22

April 1, 2024

In 2 Samuel 16, David is on the run because of Absolom. Ziba brings provision to King David and his servants and lies about Methebocheth waiting in Jerusalem to take over the kingdom. So David gave everything that Methebocheth had to Ziba. Then, another of Saul's family, Shimei, came out of his house and began cursing David. David turned the other cheek because he believed God had told him to curse him. When Absolom came to Jerusalem, one of David's good friends committed to serving him, but Absolom questioned why he would betray his dad. He said he would serve whoever the people had appointed king. 

After that, Absolom asked Ahithophel to counsel him on what he should do, and he told him that he should sleep with his dad's concubines to prove he was now taking over. So, they set up a tent on the roof, and he slept with them. This situation is alarming because these women had probably helped raise Absolom and were most likely around his mother's age. God had not appointed Absolom, so we know God won't allow his kingdom to stand. We learn from this that nothing good comes from going against God and making your own path to power because further in 1 Samuel, we will find out that Ziba and Absolom ended up paying the price for their treachery. We know that David was a man after God's own heart, and even though he found trouble, God still loved him and afflicted those who came against him. We can expect that same kind of love because we trust His Son, Jesus.

It may be that the LORD will look on mine affliction, and that the LORD will requite me good for his cursing this day. 2 Samuel 16:12 

March 31, 2024

Today, we celebrate the proof that Jesus is our King. Who else could allow himself to be executed when he had committed no crime and then come back from the dead? And though this happened over two thousand years ago, we are still discussing it! No creature or human should be honored above Jesus; today is not about Ishtar, also known as Easter, the fertility goddess; it is to honor the Resurrection of Jesus. He is worthy of our respect. Celebrate only Jesus today. He is holy. 

Now when Jesus was risen early the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom he had cast seven devils. And she went and told them that had been with him, as they mourned and wept. And they, when they had heard that he was alive, and had been seen of her, believed not. Mark 16:9-11

Afterward he appeared unto the eleven as they sat at meat, and upbraided them with their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they believed not them which had seen him after he was risen. Mark 16:14

March 30, 2024

Absolam was a handsome man who was cunning, ambitious, and adored by the people. He probably would have succeeded David as king over all of Israel if he hadn't been so scandalous. Instead, he devised a plan to take the kingdom away from his dad by usurping his authority to judge the people at the entrance to the city. He endeared them by telling them what their itchy ears wanted to hear and thus made friends in every town. David heard of his treachery, packed up his wives and any servants wishing to follow him, and left Jerusalem. God told David that evil would reign in his family for what he did to Uriah, so he gave in to his punishment and fled without a fight. He loved Absolam and never expected or prepared for his treason; David's heart broke. 

As parents, we often assume our children will stand by us, even in times of disagreement, as family is meant to be a steadfast support. However, this is not always the case; our children can sometimes let us down, yet our love for them remains. The enemy, in a cunning move, persuaded Absolam to betray his father and his family. Absolam ultimately paid the price with his life, a story we will delve into in later chapters. No matter how it unfolds, God's plan will always come to fruition. Remember, God's ways are inscrutable, and He will employ any means necessary to execute His plan. Be patient; it will surely manifest.

And David went up by the ascent of mount Olivet, and wept as he went up, and had his head covered, and he went barefoot: and all the people that was with him covered every man his head, and they went up, weeping as they went up. 2 Samuel 15:30

March 29, 2024

Today, we must solemnly remember the sacrifice of our Lord Jesus. He agonizingly suffered for our transgressions at the hands of sinners like us. Do not take your salvation lightly; appreciate all He did for us on the cross. Some have today off in remembrance of that special day; enjoy it knowing what Jesus did affords us the kind of freedom that only Jesus can give, which is security in eternity with Him. We are so very blessed. 

Jesus, when he had cried again with a loud voice, yielded up the ghost. And, behold, the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom; and the earth did quake, and the rocks rent; And the graves were opened; and many bodies of the saints which slept arose, And came out of the graves after his resurrection, and went into the holy city, and appeared unto many. Now when the centurion, and they that were with him, watching Jesus, saw the earthquake, and those things that were done, they feared greatly, saying, Truly this was the Son of God. Matthew 27:51-54

March 28, 2024

Here’s a question I didn’t think of from the situation about the violation of Tamar: Why didn’t David do something about it rather than Absolom? Now, Absolom is banished from the kingdom and has Amnon's blood on his hands. If David had served justice and followed the law, this situation mightn’t have happened, and Absolom wouldn't be guilty of a crime. Joab sent a wise woman to introduce a situation to King David similar to the situation between Absolom and Amnon to see if the king would allow him to return home. Still, he figured out that Joab was behind her story. David allowed Absolom to come back, but he wasn’t allowed to see his dad. I guess that David had to keep him at arm’s length so he wouldn’t have to punish him for his crime, which was death. Absolom remained in Jerusalem for two years without ever seeing David. Absolom wanted to see his dad, so he called for Joab to intercede on his behalf, but Joab ignored him. So Absolom set fire to his field, which was next to his, and finally, Joab came to him to question why he did it. Finally, Joab went to the king, and Absolom could see his dad. Absolom bowed himself to the ground before David, and David kissed him. 

We must handle our situations before they get out of hand. This situation is an example of why we must go before God and repent as soon as the guilt of our stain becomes apparent and the impression of the Holy Spirit weighs upon us. Live your life with a clear conscience.

So Joab came to the king, and told him: and when he had called for Absalom, he came to the king, and bowed himself on his face to the ground before the king: and the king kissed Absalom. 2 Samuel 14:33

March 27, 2024

One of King David's sons, Amnon, fell in love with his half-sister, Tamar, who was Absolom's full biological sister. Amnon was heartsick over her. Jonadab, his cousin and friend, gave him the idea of pretending to be sick, and when David came to see him, he asked him to send Tamar to cook for him and feed him. David allowed it. Tamar did as he asked, but when she went to help him eat, he grabbed her and violated her. In addition, he became disgusted with her and sent her away. She lived in shame for the rest of her life. Of course, Absolom became angry with what Amnon did to his sister but waited until sheep shearing time, two years later, to seek revenge! Imagine that kind of anger boiling over for two years! Absolom asked the king to join the sheep shearing, but he didn't want to go. He allowed all his sons to go with him, including Amnon. That's when Absolom ordered one of his servants to get Amnon drunk and then kill him. He did as he was told, and all the other brothers fled. David got word that all his sons were killed, and he cried out in despair. However, he received more accurate news that it was only Amnon. Absolom fled to Geshur and was there for three years.

Absolom was right! Amnon deserved what he got, but I don't understand why he waited two years. Amnon ruined Tamar's life, and she had to live with what he did to her. 

First, we don't need friends like Jonadab, who encouraged terrible behavior. Jonadab was as guilty as Amnon! Second, we shouldn't act in a way that would displease God and harm others. 

And the soul of king David longed to go forth unto Absalom: for he was comforted concerning Amnon, seeing he was dead. 2 Samuel 13:39

March 26, 2024

God sent Nathan, the prophet, to tell David of God's displeasure with what he had done by having Uriah killed and taking his wife for his own. By this time, Bathsheba was late in her pregnancy, and David had yet to repent of what he had done. Nathan told him a parable about a rich man who had taken a poor man's highly favored and only lamb and used it to entertain his guest rather than taking one from his flock. David became angry at the rich man; that's when Nathan told him the rich man was him, comparing Bathsheba to the lamb. Nathan also said to him that the sword would never leave his house and God would permit evil to come against him because of what he had done to Uriah. David immediately repented, crying out that he had sinned against God. Nathan assured him that he would not die for his sin.

David said to Nathan, "I have sinned against the LORD." And Nathan said to David, "The LORD also has put away your sin; you shall not die. 2 Samuel 12:13

David wrote Psalms 51. If you need to repent and don't have the words, use this psalm; it's incredible.

The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit, a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise. Psalms 51:17

However, Nathan told him the baby would die. David fasted and prayed on his face for seven days, hoping God would hear his prayer and let the baby live. David refused to eat or be comforted,  but the baby died on the seventh day. After he died, he cleaned himself up and ate because he knew he couldn't bring him back to life with his prayers. He comforted Bathsheba and laid with her, and she bore Solomon. And the Lord loved him. 

March 25, 2024

Most of you know the story of David and Bathsheba. David was resting and lounging around while his men went out and fought in a war. He spotted Bathsheba bathing while standing on his roof; he inquired about who she was and found out she was married to Uriah, one of his brave soldiers. Even so, he sent for her and ended up sleeping with her. She sent a message to David saying she was pregnant. David, trying to cover up his sin, called for Uriah and gave him rest from his duty, hoping he would go home and sleep with his wife because he had been at war and they hadn’t been together for a long time. Uriah refused to go home and be comfortable while the other soldiers were still fighting. Since that didn’t work, David sent him to the front line, instructing Joab to pull back so Uriah would be killed. Sadly, Uriah died in that battle. After a short time of mourning, David sent for Bathsheba, and she became his wife. God was not pleased with what David had done. 

We can see from this story that one sin, the lust of the eyes, can lead to more sins: adultery, lying, murder, and probably others. Not only that, but he caused Joab to sin because he pulled the army away from Uriah, causing him to die in battle. Let’s not forget that Bathsheba sinned, too, by not resisting David’s advances. God didn’t stop loving David, but his sins did not go unpunished, as we will see in the next chapter. Learn self-denial, control your thoughts, and do not act on sin because it will inevitably lead to more.

And when the mourning was over, David sent and brought her to his house, and she became his wife and bore him a son. But the thing that David had done displeased the LORD. 2 Samuel 11:27