One of the saddest episodes recorded in the Bible is the man of God’s own heart, committing sin of adultery with Bathsheba and murdering her husband Uriah. (II Samuel 11) Violating several of Ten Commandments, David committed sins of covetousness, adultery, lie, stealing and murder. (Exodus 20:3-17)
Sin against God: What David did was sin against God and violation of His commandment. Though Joseph lived before the Mosaic Law was given, he was clear in his understanding of moral values. (Genesis 39:9) He refused to be seduced by Potiphar’s wife, while David was consumed by his own covetous passion. One who loves the Lord keeps His commandments. (John 14:15)
Sin against Bathsheba: David also sinned against Bathsheba. Both were responsible, the proportion for each could be different. Major blame was on David. Seducing or soliciting or compelling a married woman, that too the wife of a military officer under his command was great sin.
Sin against Uriah: The loyal officer in David’s army was from a Gentile people Hittite. It was probable that Uriah became a worshiper of Jehovah through David. By committing adultery with Uriah’s wife, he betrayed not only Uriah, and Jehovah on whom Uriah had put his trust.
Enemies mock: Prophet Nathan said that David’s stupid sin gave opportunity for enemies of God to look at His people with utter contempt. Uriah’s relatives and Hittite would mock how David rewarded Uriah with murder. (II Samuel 12:14)
Wicked web: David decided to eliminate Uriah. He recruits his army commander Joab to do this dirty job of murder. It was done in such a way so that people would not even suspect a murder had happened. (II Samuel 11:14-26)
Sin against Nation: As the king goes, so does the nation. If King David could commit adultery, then all people will follow the bad example.
Uriah honored: Sadly, Uriah was a victim of injustice. Yet, God the Righteous Judge honored Uriah by adding his name in the ancestor list of the Messiah. (Matthew 1:6)
Do I trust Righteous Justice when I face injustice in this world?