2 Samuel 11

2 Samuel 11

Shawn Bumpers / General

2 Samuel

Introduction

This chapter deals with one of the most familiar stories in 2 Samuel.

It is the story of David’s harmful affair with Bathsheba and then its implications for David and for his rule and kingdom.

It should encourage us to know that even the heroes of the faith had their faults and failures, just as we do.

In our chapter for today, David, a man after God’s own heart, commits adultery and then commits murder in an attempt to coverup his own sin.

These sins are greatly intensified because the Bible says of David that he was a man after God’s own heart.

This record of history, told with candor and honesty, doesn’t gloss over anything.

It reminds us that David was human … very much like you and I.

Everything that happens is, at the very least, the result of God’s permissive will. 

v1

In the previous chapter, Joab defeated Ammon, but allowed its army to retreat into it’s own city walls.

He then left to return to Jerusalem without any further battles.

v2

By telling us that David did not join the military campaign, verse 1 sets the stage for what happens now.

It should not be overlooked that verse 1 says, “Kings go out to battle.”

1 Corinthians 10:12 NKJV

Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall.

James 1:14–15 NKJV

But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death.

And the great problem here is not necessarily that David took a break, but it is pictured in David’s laying down of his armor.

Ephesians 6:10–11 NKJV

Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.

Does Bathsheba deserve some blame here?

Well, rooftops back then were like another floor of the house and were used for escaping the heat of the day that would be trapped inside the walls.

1 Peter 4:14–16 NKJV

If you are reproached for the name of Christ, blessed are you, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. On their part He is blasphemed, but on your part He is glorified. But let none of you suffer as a murderer, a thief, an evildoer, or as a busybody in other people’s matters. Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this matter.

v3

So, David inquired about the woman he had seen.

Now, in the text you will see “someone” italicized and this is because it is not a part of the original text but was added because the authors felt it provided clarity.

v4

So, David moved quickly.

Perhaps this was to avoid thinking about any warnings or consequences.

v5

The devil never tips his hand as to what he is about when he tempts us.

Satan tells us about the excitement of fulfilling sinful desires, but he doesn’t every warn of the consequences.

Leviticus 20:10 NKJV

‘The man who commits adultery with another man’s wife, he who commits adultery with his neighbor’s wife, the adulterer and the adulteress, shall surely be put to death.

v6-11

So, David immediately devised a plan to cover up his sin.

He called for Uriah to return from the battle.

v12-13

David’s next attempt was to invite Uriah to have a meal with him before he returned to the battle.

His plan was to wine and dine Uriah in the palace in hope that Uriah’s resolve would weaken and he would go home to Bathsheba.

And once again Uriah refused to go home. 

v14-17

How David has fallen from the man he once was.

Uriah is now acting more like the David we knew from earlier days. 

Uriah, the faithful soldier was successfully put to death as though he were the enemy.

But not only is Uriah put to death, but a number of other Israelite warriors die with him. 

Proverbs 28:13 NKJV

He who covers his sins will not prosper, But whoever confesses and forsakes them will have mercy.

v18-24

So, the mission is accomplished: Uriah is dead.

Joab has carried out David’s instructions.

v25

So, David reacted exactly as Joab had anticipated.

The news of Uriah’s death calmed him.

These two verses end the chapter but not the story.

When Bathsheba heard of Uriah’s death in verse 26, “she mourned for her husband”.

David though had broken at least three of the Ten Commandments that God had given Israel for relating to God and to fellow men.

He had coveted another man’s wife, committed adultery, and murdered. 

1 John 1:9 NKJV

If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.