“In the spring, at the time when kings go off to war, David sent Joab out with the king’s men and the whole Israelite army. They destroyed the Ammonites and besieged Rabbah. But David remained in Jerusalem. One evening David got up from his bed and walked around on the roof of the palace. From the roof he saw a woman bathing. The woman was very beautiful, and David sent someone to find out about her.” (2Samuel 11:1-3 NIV)
Evidently, King David continued his conquering campaign recorded in chapter 10. Yet, he sent others to lead where he was supposed to lead. One might say he had abdicated his responsibilities. We aren’t told why David remained at Jerusalem, only that he did.
Of course, as the King, it was his prerogative to do so, though a good reason like illness, or family issues, or even other pressing matters of state would suffice to excuse his decision to remain in Jerusalem. He surely must have been dealing with some heavy concerns because he couldn’t sleep (v.2).
Was it his habit to do this every evening? Had he done this enough to have caught the eye of his neighbor, Mrs. Uriah ben Hittite? Was this the first time he had seen her taking a bath? Is it possible that he had seen her earlier and simply got up to go see if she was doing her usual thing? We do not know. It seems reasonable, however, that he didn’t “fall off the roof” the first time he saw her.
Where was the Queen, his wife? Why did he not spend the evening with her? If he was tempted sexually by his neighbor’s wife, why didn’t he call for his own wife to satisfy his desires? Why did he ignore common sense and reason? Worse, why did he forget the God who had exalted him to this high position? We can only consider these questions and draw conclusions from human perspectives.
From the context and related details, we may conclude along these lines of thought:
He sent someone else to do his job (i.e., lead the army). He was alone when he should have surrounded himself with support (i.e., his wife or counselors, etc). He did not turn away when he was tempted but actually pursued it (v. 3).
Whatever we might think about King David, consider that for twenty odd years he had enjoy victory in God, yet he let his guard down here. He was a mighty warrior on the battlefield, but a weakling at home. Consider that our past victories do not guarantee either present or future victory.
The King lusted after a woman’s beauty but failed to consider the ugly results of his lust. He would become a hypocrite and a murderer. He would lose the respect of his commanding general. Four of his children would be killed. And his kingdom would be split. This is the problem with sin. It blinds us and binds us from having a balanced, holistic picture of the ramifications involved. Sin will blindside us with its results.
Of course we do not condone or justify King David’s actions, yet we should not judge him too harshly because except for the grace of God it might be you or I. Carefully note the exhortation of Paul, “These things happened to them as examples and were written down as warnings for us, on whom the fulfillment of the ages has come. So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall!” (1Corinthians 10:11-12 NIV).
Dear Father, thank you for your grace and mercy. Empower us with a firm dependence upon you. This I pray in the name of Jesus. AMEN
Be courageous today as you depend upon the Lord,