King David Adultery Analysis

It is bad enough to commit adultery in your heart, but Kings David's biggest downfall was, ignoring his convictions and acting on his sinful temptations. By prolonging his look at the beautiful Bathsheba as she bathed David became consumed with lust, so much so -- that he felt he had to have her, and fast (11 :2). His desire was so intense that when he inquired to his messenger about who she was, and was told she was married -- it was no deterrent and he had sex with her anyways(11: 3-4). The moment he gave into temptation to continue to watch her bath - he broke God's commandment, because he had already committed adultery in his heart - let alone the fulfilling the fantasy. Greed also factored in he lived an envied life as a ruler and King, and had many wives, yet he wasn't

satisfied.

There would be some consequences for his sin, however. Indeed he put himself in a place of condemnation and the consequences of his sin began soon after his adultery. Clearly overtaken by guilt and fear, David tried to cover up his adultery -- first by luring Uriah home to his wife, so that it would appear the pregnancy was legitimate (11:10). When that failed, he set Uriah up to stationed - on the front line of battle - where he was certain to be killed (11: 14)-- which would have added to his guilt because now he was not only guilty of adultery, he was also guilty of murder (11: 16-17) . After the death of Uriah, David married Bathsheba (11:27) , likely to help appease his conscience -- and God, over all that had transpired. He would, however -- still face ridicule , and public embarrassment for his sin, beginning with a visit from Nathan the

prophet.
Nathan came to David and shared a parable (12:1). He warned David that although God had forgiven his sin there were still ramifications because of his unthankfulness-- in spite of all blessings the Lord had bestowed upon him - as well as his disobedience to God (12:7-9). The tragedy was that he and his household would have to pay for his sin, which began with Nathan taking David's wives and handing them over to his friend, who would have sex out in the open, followed up with the loss of the illness and subsequent death of the illegitimate child Bathsheba was carrying - despite David's diligent prayer, and fasting (12:15). But God would soon show David shoe mercy, because of his repentance (12:13) and bless him and Bathsheba with another child