David’s Sin and Sorrow
—and Nathan’s rebuke
Time ~ 5. Kingdom of David
Span ~ 120 years
Books ~ 2Samuel, 1Kings, 1Chronicles, Poetry
Figures ~ Saul, David, Solomon
Begins with ~ The people of Israel seek a king
Our study continues to follow more of David's adventures, after he became king. However there is a great deal of sadness in this story, mainly as a result of the sin David committed with Basheba, the beautiful wife of Uriah the Hittite, one of David's faithful soldiers.
1 Nathan Condemns David
"Why have you despised the commandment of the LORD? Now the sword shall never depart from your house" (2Samuel 12:7-14) That is what Nathan said to David after he had committed adultery with Bathsheba and had her husband killed.
Bathsheba gave birth to David's son, but the baby died in spite of David's pleading with God. From this point on, David suffered many trials at the hands of his enemies —including enemies within the kingdom.
David knew better, and was capable of better. In the mercy and love he shows various people in these stories, and in his psalms which are inserted into the narrative, we can perceive the good and godly heart of David.
However, sometimes David allowed himself to be tempted by the power he held. He was drawn away by his own lust, to enter into what he knew was sin.
2 The Main Point
Behind this story is the weak side of David who allowed his lust to lead him into a despicable injustice. For this David suffered terrible consequences, even though his sin was forgiven. David's sorrow is expressed in Psalm 51. The lesson is that even though our sins are forgiven, we may have to live with their nasty effects for many years afterward.
3 Bible Summary (2Samuel 11-24)
- David's adultery and treachery (11)
- Nathan's cunning rebuke and David's abject sorrow (12)
- Bathsheba gives birth to Solomon-Jedidiah (12)
- Ammonites enslaved (12)
- Amnon violates his sister Tamar (13)
- Absalom murders Amnon, and flees to exile from David (13)
- Joab devises a way for Absalom to return forgiven (14)
- Absalom's treason. He steals the hearts of the people (15)
- King David flees Jerusalem with all his household (15)
- David is met by Hushai who agrees to be a spy (15)
- David is met by Ziba who informs on Mephibosheth (16)
- David is met by Shimei who throws stones at him (16)
- Meanwhile conspiracy continues in Jerusalem (16)
- Ahithophel counsels Absalom to violate David's women (16)
- Ahithophel proposes a raid on David. Hushai counters (17)
- A woman hides David's spies in a well (17)
- A terrible war between David and Absalom (17-18)
- Absalom dies against David's wishes. David grieves (18-19)
- David returns to Jerusalem, shows mercy and kindness (19)
- Jealousy: ten tribes of Israel quarrel with Judah (19)
- Sheba tries to lead Israel in rebellion against David (20)
- Joab murders Amasa and takes control (20)
- A wise woman brings Sheba's rebellion to a sharp end (20)
- A famine because Saul's house persecutes the Gibeonites (21)
- David avenges the Gibeonites. Seven of Saul's sons die (21)
- The Philistines make war yet again. More giants too! (21)
- A psalm of David. Praise for God's deliverance (22)
- Another psalm of David --his last words (23)
- Honour roll of David's mighty warriors (23)
- David takes a census of Israel and Judah against God's will (24)
- A plague comes upon all Israel and Judah in punishment (24)
- David buys the threshing floor of Araunah (24)
- David offers sacrifice and makes peace with God (24)
- Identical or similar accounts are given in 1Chronicles 20-21.
4 David Numbers Israel
People become fascinated with numbers. The experience of Gideon (Judges 7) should have convinced God’s people that large numbers can be a disadvantage. God reduced Gideon’s army from over 30,000 to a mere 300. God did this to demonstrate that he gives victory to his people; they do not win it by their own power. But David wanted to know the numbers to make him feel powerful, so he demanded a census (2Samuel 24). He did not simply trust God. Thus David offended God and punishment ensued. There's nothing inherently wrong with counting numbers, but sometimes it can be an exercise in pride —and that is wrong.
5 Who's Who
In these stories, there is a confusing array of people. Here are some of the names and their connections.
- Abiathar - another chief priest at David's court
- Abishai - Joab's brother, a commander also
- Absalom - a son of David by Maacah (2Samuel 3:2-3)
- Ahimaaz - one of David's spies and news-runners
- Ahithophel - David's trusted advisor who was not trustworthy
- Amasa - commander of Absalom's army, killed by Joab
- Amnon - a son of David by Ahinoam (2Samuel 3:2-3)
- Barzillai - An aged friend of David
- Bathsheba - Wife of Uriah the Hittite, later David's wife
- Chimham - Barzillai's servant whom Barzillai gave to David
- Hushai - a friend of David and his undercover agent
- Ittai - a Philistine from Gath, a chief soldier of David's
- Joab - a nephew of David, commander of David's army
- Jonathan - Saul's eldest son, a sworn friend of David
- Mephibosheth - Crippled son of Jonathan, grandson of Saul
- Nathan - the prophet who rebukes David by way of a parable
- Ornan (Araunah) - David purchased his threshing floor
- Rizpah - mother of the executed seven sons of Saul's house
- Saul - a Benjaminite, deceased first king of Israel before David
- Sheba - a worthless Benjaminite who rebelled against David
- Shimei - a Benjaminite who cursed and threw stones at David
- Tamar - Absalom's beautiful sister (2Samuel 13:1)
- Uriah - A soldier in David's army, husband of Bathsheba
- Zadok - father of Ahimaaz and chief priest at David's court
- Ziba - Mephibosheth's servant