The story of David and Bathsheba darkens my rosy view of life. David turned a lustful eye toward a neighbor and events tumbled out of control. As a result David, along with the people of Israel, suffered under God’s judgment. The illegitimate child of the liaison died, as did Uriah, Bathsheba’s husband.

Uriah lived a principled live, devoted to king and comrades. After sleeping with Bathsheba, David recalled Uriah from the battlefield, thinking he would spend the night at home and enjoy his wife. Uriah refused. He told the king:

“The ark and Israel and Judah are staying in tents, and my commander Joab and my lord’s men are camped in the open country. How could I go to my house to eat and drink and make love to my wife? As surely as you live, I will not do such a thing!”

David destroyed a gallant man in order to hide his sin. Along with Uriah’s life and David’s integrity, I wonder what else was wasted due to David’s taking of Bathsheba? One of David’s mighty men, what acts of bravery never materialized because Uriah not longer marched with the army? How many men suffered and died without their champion to lead them skillfully into battle?

Even from such a distance, it’s sad to dwell on the waste of a good man. But am I really much better than David? I’m guilty of sacrificing others in small ways to get what I want. What David did on a large scale, I do in miniature.

Depths of repentance and grace infuse the story of David and Uriah, and fortunately extend to you and me as well. With so much surrounding potential, if I choose to treat people with value and not simply as a means to get what I want, I help create (in a tiny way) a world where everyone flourishes.

2 Samuel 11 in Through the Bible in 2024

Photo by Anis Rahman