Overview
At a time when David should have been on the field of battle, he finds himself instead on the roof of the palace. A casual glance ... a lustful thought ... an inquiry ... and the king of Israel set in motion a chain of events that culminates in adultery and murder. David's sinful acts continue to ripen for years within David's family in the form of murder, incest, treachery, and open revolt. |
Your Daily Walk
Do you use ... or abuse ... the authority-God has given you?
Scan chapter 11 and circle the word senr every time you discover it (hint: it occurs a dozen times), for therein lies the key to David's downfall.
While it was common practice for the king to send others to do his bidding, such practice was subject to abuse. David "sent Joab" to the battlefront (11:1), when in fact David should have accompanied him there. David "sent and inquired" after Bathsheba (11:3), though he had no business doing so, David "sent messengers, and took her" (11:4), though she belonged to another man, David "sent ... by the hand of Uriah" (11:14) that loyal soldier's own death certificate. Small wonder that when David's wicked plan was at last complete, God "sent Nathan unto David" (12:1) to uncover the whole ugly scheme.
Using God-given authority for your own convenience hiay seem expedient now, but in the long run it will prove bitterly expensive. In the margin, list the roles of authority you fill today (e.g., parent, deacon, vice president, teacher, club leader). Then turn your list into a prayer project as you ask God to make you a "sanctified sender"! |
Insight
The Subtle Slide from Sin to Sin —
The leap from a single covetous thought (11:2) to the coldly calculated murder of one of David's most loyal soldiers would probably have been unthinkable to the king. But because one "little" sin relentlessly dragged him into another—idleness, selfishness, covetousness. adultery, treachery, murder—the net result was the same. |