1 And it came to pass, after the year was expired, at the time when kings go forth [to battle], that David sent Joab, and his servants with him, and all Israel; and they destroyed the children of Ammon, and besieged Rabbah. But David tarried still at Jerusalem.
2 And it came to pass in an eveningtide, that David arose from off his bed, and walked upon the roof of the king’s house: and from the roof he saw a woman washing herself; and the woman [was] very beautiful to look upon.
3 And David sent and inquired after the woman. And [one] said, [Is] not this Bathsheba, the daughter of Eliam, the wife of Uriah the Hittite?
4 And David sent messengers, and took her; and she came in unto him, and he lay with her; for she was purified from her uncleanness: and she returned unto her house.
5 And the woman conceived, and sent and told David, and said, I [am] with child.
6 And David sent to Joab, [saying], Send me Uriah the Hittite. And Joab sent Uriah to David.
7 And when Uriah was come unto him, David demanded [of him] how Joab did, and how the people did, and how the war prospered.
8 And David said to Uriah, Go down to thy house, and wash thy feet. And Uriah departed out of the king’s house, and there followed him a mess [of meat] from the king.
9 But Uriah slept at the door of the king’s house with all the servants of his lord, and went not down to his house.
10 And when they had told David, saying, Uriah went not down unto his house, David said unto Uriah, Camest thou not from [thy] journey? why [then] didst thou not go down unto thine house?
11 And Uriah said unto David, The ark, and Israel, and Judah, abide in tents; and my lord Joab, and the servants of my lord, are encamped in the open fields; shall I then go into mine house, to eat and to drink, and to lie with my wife? [as] thou livest, and [as] thy soul liveth, I will not do this thing.
12 And David said to Uriah, Tarry here to day also, and to morrow I will let thee depart. So Uriah abode in Jerusalem that day, and the morrow.
13 And when David had called him, he did eat and drink before him; and he made him drunk: and at even he went out to lie on his bed with the servants of his lord, but went not down to his house.
14 And it came to pass in the morning, that David wrote a letter to Joab, and sent [it] by the hand of Uriah.
15 And he wrote in the letter, saying, Set ye Uriah in the forefront of the hottest battle, and retire ye from him, that he may be smitten, and die.
16 And it came to pass, when Joab observed the city, that he assigned Uriah unto a place where he knew that valiant men [were].
17 And the men of the city went out, and fought with Joab: and there fell [some] of the people of the servants of David; and Uriah the Hittite died also.
18 Then Joab sent and told David all the things concerning the war;
19 And charged the messenger, saying, When thou hast made an end of telling the matters of the war unto the king,
20 And if so be that the king’s wrath arise, and he say unto thee, Wherefore approached ye so nigh unto the city when ye did fight? knew ye not that they would shoot from the wall?
21 Who smote Abimelech the son of Jerubbesheth? did not a woman cast a piece of a millstone upon him from the wall, that he died in Thebez? why went ye nigh the wall? then say thou, Thy servant Uriah the Hittite is dead also.
22 So the messenger went, and came and shewed David all that Joab had sent him for.
23 And the messenger said unto David, Surely the men prevailed against us, and came out unto us into the field, and we were upon them even unto the entering of the gate.
24 And the shooters shot from off the wall upon thy servants; and [some] of the king’s servants be dead, and thy servant Uriah the Hittite is dead also.
25 Then David said unto the messenger, Thus shalt thou say unto Joab, Let not this thing displease thee, for the sword devoureth one as well as another: make thy battle more strong against the city, and overthrow it: and encourage thou him.
26 And when the wife of Uriah heard that Uriah her husband was dead, she mourned for her husband.
27 And when the mourning was past, David sent and fetched her to his house, and she became his wife, and bare him a son. But the thing that David had done displeased the LORD.
Overview of 2 Samuel Chapter 11
2 Samuel Chapter 11 narrates a pivotal moment in the life of King David, detailing his moral failure and its significant consequences. This chapter serves as a critical turning point in David’s reign, highlighting themes of temptation, sin, and the repercussions of one’s actions.
Key Events in the Chapter
- David’s Lapse in Duty
The chapter begins by describing the time when kings typically go to war. However, David remains in Jerusalem, which sets the stage for his subsequent actions.
- David Sees Bathsheba
While walking on the roof of his palace, David notices Bathsheba, the wife of Uriah the Hittite, bathing. This sight ignites his desire for her.
- Adultery with Bathsheba
David sends messengers to inquire about Bathsheba and subsequently summons her to the palace, where he sleeps with her, resulting in her pregnancy.
- Cover-Up Attempt
To conceal his sin, David calls Uriah back from the battlefield, hoping he will sleep with Bathsheba and assume the child is his. However, Uriah refuses to go home while his fellow soldiers are in battle.
- Uriah’s Death
Frustrated, David sends Uriah back to the front lines with a letter instructing Joab to place Uriah in the fiercest fighting, leading to his death. This act of murder further complicates David’s moral failings.
- Aftermath of Uriah’s Death
After Uriah’s death, Bathsheba mourns, and David marries her. The chapter concludes with a somber note that the Lord is displeased with David’s actions.
Thematic Analysis
- Temptation and Sin
The chapter illustrates how David, despite being a man after God’s own heart, succumbs to temptation. His initial gaze upon Bathsheba leads to a series of sinful decisions, demonstrating the ease with which one can fall into moral failure.
- Abuse of Power
David’s actions reflect a significant abuse of power. As king, he misuses his authority to satisfy his desires, leading to devastating consequences for others, particularly Uriah and Bathsheba.
- Consequences of Sin
The chapter foreshadows the severe repercussions of David’s actions, both personally and nationally. It sets the stage for future turmoil in David’s life and reign, emphasizing that sin has far-reaching effects.
- Divine Displeasure
The closing verse highlights God’s discontent with David’s actions, reminding readers that moral failures do not go unnoticed by the divine. This sets the tone for the subsequent chapters, where David will face the consequences of his sins.
Character Analysis
- King David
David is portrayed as a complex character, capable of great faith and leadership, yet also of profound moral failure. His actions in this chapter reveal a darker side, showcasing his vulnerability to temptation and the tragic consequences of his choices.
- Bathsheba
Bathsheba is depicted as a victim in this narrative. Her role illustrates the power dynamics at play, as she is drawn into David’s sin against her will. Her subsequent mourning and marriage to David further complicate her situation.
- Uriah the Hittite
Uriah is characterized by his loyalty and integrity. His refusal to enjoy the comforts of home while his comrades are in battle highlights his noble character, contrasting sharply with David’s betrayal.
- Joab
Joab, David’s military commander, plays a crucial role in executing David’s orders. His actions reflect the moral complexities of serving a flawed leader and the consequences of blind loyalty.
Conclusion
2 Samuel Chapter 11 serves as a profound narrative about the dangers of temptation, the consequences of sin, and the complexities of human character. It underscores the importance of accountability and the need for moral vigilance, particularly for those in positions of power. David’s story is a cautionary tale that resonates through the ages, reminding readers of the fragility of human integrity.
