April 14
Read II Samuel 10 -- 12
David, King of Israel, had never lost a war and had grown accustomed to getting whatever he wanted. It came to pass . . . at the time when kings go forth to battle, that David sent Joab, and his servants with him . . . and they destroyed the Ammonites. . . . But David tarried in Jerusalem (II Samuel 11:1). Satan will always have something or someone to attract our attention when we are in a position to gratify our fleshly desires. He always presents sin as both attractive and satisfying.
For David, his spiritual defeat began with a look of lust at beautiful Bathsheba. When David inquired, he was told she was the wife of Uriah the Hittite (11:3), one of his thirty-seven mighty men (23:8-39). David knew that adultery was a wicked sin against God and was punishable by death (Leviticus 20:10). But, David sent messengers, and took her (II Samuel 11:4). One sin usually leads to unforeseen complications and to other evils.
From the moment David first lusted after Bathsheba until their marriage, there was no one to interfere with their pleasure. However, about one year later, David was confronted by Nathan the prophet who boldly said: Why have you despised the commandment of the Lord, to do evil in His sight? (12:9). As the result of David's adultery, Nathan foretold: The sword shall never depart from your house. . . . I will raise up evil against you (12:10-11). Then David confessed to Nathan: I have sinned against the Lord (12:13).
For the next 20 years, the entire last half of his reign, until the time of his death, David's sorrows and sufferings never ceased from just one night of yielding to his lust. First, there was the death of the child born of this sin of adultery (12:15-18). A short time later, Davids beautiful daughter Tamar was raped by her half-brother Amnon, heir-apparent to the throne (13:11-14). Two years later (13:23), his son Absalom took revenge on Amnon for the disgrace of his sister and had him murdered (13:28-29). Then Ahithophel, Davids most trusted counselor, became a traitor by joining the short-lived rebellion and reign of Absalom. Perhaps both assumed that, because of Davids failing health and old age, it would be simple to murder him and take control. Ahithophel's cruel act of treason ended in his suicide, followed by the death of Absalom in battle. Then Sheba, from Saul's tribe, took advantage of the national unrest that Absalom had created and led another revolt. Finally, Adonijah, David's fourth son, gained the cooperation of Joab, the commander-in-chief of David's army, and proclaimed himself king. David was forced to immediately declare Solomon king and he abdicated the throne (I Kings 1:35).
In addition to facing God on Judgment Day, no one is able to avoid the sorrows and bitter consequences in this life that result from yielding to temptation in a moment of lust. Because of David's sincere repentance, as recorded in Psalm 51, God forgave him. But forgiveness does not remove the results: Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap (Galatians 6:7).
Christ Revealed: In the prophet Nathan giving Solomon the name Jedidiah, which means beloved of the Lord (II Samuel 12:25). Christ was greatly loved by the Father (John 17:24).
Word Study: 10:12 play the men for our people means show our courage; 11:8 mess of meat means a gift from the king; 12:4 spared means refused; 12:8 such and such things means more and much more; 12:11 in the sight of this sun means all Israel shall know.
Government Official: Rep. George Gekas (PA) · BPM Staff: Rita Guerra · Pray for Rev. & Mrs. Mike Hall, Directors, Washington DC Bible Reading Marathon · Pray for the Bible Pathway International Radio broadcast in honor of George & Marjorie Irwin's 50th Wedding Anniversary · Country: Cuba (11 million) on the northern rim of the Caribbean · Major language: Spanish · Strict government surveillance of all true Christian activities · 41% Roman Catholic; 2% various spiritists; 1% Protestant · Prayer Suggestion: Pray for your adversaries (Psalms 109:4).
Optional Reading: Acts 15
Memory Verse for the Week: Psalms 34:7