Bible Study May 13

May 13, 2023

We read of the story of David and Bathsheba today from 2 Samuel 11 – 12 and the victory over another enemy in 1 Chronicles 20.

Chapter 11 –

The writer tells us the kings normally return to battle after the rainy season of the year. David and Joab want to finish the fight against the Ammonites so he sends the army to Rabbah. But David stays home, a decision contrary to the custom of the day and falls into temptation with Bathsheba.

David begins his scheme after impregnating Bathsheba. He must find a way to hide his sin so he calls for a report of the battle which is brought to him by Uriah the Hittite. David suggests that Uriah spend the night with his beautiful wife but he refuses since his men are in battle, David’s plan is foiled. So he attempts to keep Uriah at home a second night by getting him drunk which also fails. He then sends orders to place Uriah in the forefront of battle knowing he will be killed.

Bathsheba mourns her loss of her husband for possibly seven days and slips into the harem of David. It all looks innocent but the Lord notices. The prophet Nathan is sent by God to confront David of his sin through a parable. After pointing the guilt of David, Nathan announces that David will be punished in the same way as Uriah that violence will strike his family, David is informed that God has forgiven him and will spare his life.

Nathan uses the story of the rich man who steals the poor man’s sheep is just the type of behavior that Samuel warned against in 1 Samuel 8:10-18.

Chapter 12 –

In the years that follow David continues to reap the consequences of his sin with Bathsheba and Uriah starting with the death of Bathsheba’s baby. David fasts for seven days and upon learning of his death he ends his fast and goes into the House of the Lord to worship.

We are back to the siege of Rabbah where David should have been in the first place. Joab insists that after this year long battle that David participate and victory is won with additional loot being taken and the captives put to work as slave labor.

1 Chronicles Chapter 20 –

Verses 1 – 3 bring to end the battle against the Ammonites. David has defeated the Ammonites capital city of Rabbah. The writer here even introduces the fact that David remained in Jerusalem. This chapter includes the exploits of David’s men in overtaking the giants. This account closes the complex story of David’s’ many victories.