September 26, 2025 • 67 mins
Chapter 24 of Heroes in the Bible: David with Dr. Tony Evans is inspired by 2 Samuel 11-12.
Lust & Murder - Even the mightiest of Kings are susceptible to falling. David’s greatest failure throws the great king onto his knees.
Today's opening prayer is inspired by Matthew 6:10, Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.
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Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:00):
Hi, I'm doctor Tony Evans, and welcome to the epic
Adventure of David, a story of honor, battle, jealousy, darkness, friendship, love, scandal,
and murder. While most people know of David the myth,
few know about David the man. This episode is a
tale of David's greatest failure. There could be no understanding
(00:22):
just how far the king falls in this episode. From
the very beginning of this tale, you will barely be
able to recognize David. Nothing about this episode seems normal.
His failure can be jarring for us and difficult to understand.
But there have been breadcrumbs bringing us to this moment.
Small hints and details in David's story have been warning
(00:46):
us that this might happen. This episode is tragic, but
remember what I've been reminding you of this whole time.
David is not the ultimate hero of this story. His
collapse is a warning to us all small compromises over
time can lead to huge defeats. Many of our most
egregious sins were committed in our hearts before the actual
(01:09):
moment we acted. This is exemplified in our prelude as
we get a glimpse into the inner dialogue of Eve.
Her conversation with the serpent reflects our own dangerous dance
with sin and pride. Take this episode in for all
it is allow yourself to feel the weightiness of what's happening.
(01:29):
We can't shy away from the difficult stories, for within
them are profound truths and serious warnings. If we come
in with humble and reflective hearts, we will be better
off for the mission ahead of us. No more pretense.
His episode twenty four Lust and Murder.
Speaker 2 (01:51):
Prelude to chapter twenty four. All was that piece. Birds
sang to the song of new creation, Animals roamed the
plains unafraid, and humanity danced under the protective canopy of
the garden. A cool mist blew through the forest, dispersing
the sunlight in a thousand different directions. Every part of
(02:12):
Creation was working together like a symphony towards its creator.
Adam and Eve joined in the symphony, glorifying God with
their laughter, love, and labor. Together they tended to the
garden and stewarded the new world. Creator and Creation were
in perfect harmony, perfect shalom. Adam and Eve enjoyed the
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loving embrace of their God and the purpose that came
with being stewards over his creation. But what is love
without choice? What is a relationship without free will? In
his divine love, God gave his image bears a choice.
In the midst of the garden was a tree. Its
leaves were bright and vibrant, and its fruit hung low
(02:54):
at eye level. The tree represented a choice. Mankind could
avoid the tree's fruit and continued to enjoy a life
unified with God, or they could eat the fruit and
be given the potential for evil. Their hearts would be
corrupted with the knowledge of good and evil, light and darkness.
To eat of the tree would be to choose their
(03:15):
own will over God's. Adam and Eve knew this. They
had been warned of its danger and knew it would
unravel them. In the shadow of the tree lurked another creature.
His claws dug into the bark as his scaly body
wrapped around its trunk. His scales were arrayed with beautiful
colors of blue, gold, and red. As Adam and Eve
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walked the pat of the tree, the serpent's eyes opened
and reflected the morning light. The creature's body tightened around
the tree, and a crooked smile appeared on the sides
of its head. Calm close, the serpent whispered from underneath
the tree. Eve was the first to stop as Adam
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continued to walk up the She looked back at the tree.
Speaker 3 (04:02):
And looked closely. Who's there, she asked pensively.
Speaker 2 (04:06):
The serpent's long body slithered up the trunk of the tree,
and his neck poked.
Speaker 3 (04:10):
Out from the leaves.
Speaker 4 (04:11):
Close Eve, he hissed again, I have a question for you.
Speaker 2 (04:20):
Eve was intrigued by the serpent's brilliant colors. She stepped
closer to him and looked up at his sparkling yellow eyes.
The serpent smiled and met eve eye do.
Speaker 5 (04:30):
Why did God really say you shall not eat of
any tree in the.
Speaker 3 (04:37):
Garden, he asked.
Speaker 5 (04:38):
That seems rather cool, a.
Speaker 6 (04:43):
Stant God has told us we can eat any.
Speaker 7 (04:46):
Fruit in the garden. She replied, Only we can't eat
of this tree, nor shall we touch it lest we die.
Speaker 2 (04:53):
Eve's memory had failed her, for God said nothing of
touching it. Already her interaction with the ser was throwing
her off course. Nonsense, He said, with a smile, you
will not die.
Speaker 5 (05:09):
God knows that when you eat this fruit, you will
be like him. He does and want you to be
powerful like he is. He doesn't want you in control.
Speaker 6 (05:29):
He doesn't want me to be powerful.
Speaker 2 (05:31):
Eve whispered, her brow furrowed and her lips pursed. She
was unsure of what she was hearing.
Speaker 8 (05:38):
If I eat this, will I be like God?
Speaker 3 (05:40):
She asked the serpent. Yes, he lied.
Speaker 5 (05:45):
All knowledge of good and evil.
Speaker 3 (05:50):
You will be just like him.
Speaker 2 (05:54):
The serpent retreated back into the shadow of the tree.
When he saw Adam approaching down the path, he saw
his wife at eye level with the fruit, reaching out
to it. What are you doing, Adam asked. Eve looked
back to her husband, then back at the fruit. Her
heart had already committed to the act. The temptation was
too strong. She reached her hand to the fruit and
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plucked it off the branch. Adam did nothing to stop her.
He simply watched in curiosity. She felt the fruit in
her hand and saw that it was fine to eat.
She placed it on her lips and took about. The
fruit's juice dripped from her lips to her chin. The
serpent remained in the shadows. Pleased that his lies had worked,
(06:36):
Eve turned to Adam and placed the fruit in his hands.
Speaker 6 (06:40):
If we eat it, we will be like God.
Speaker 2 (06:43):
She said, with an excited grin. Adam took the fruit
from his wife's hand and pondered. Like Gode, he whispered
to himself, Adam the one who God formed from the
dust of the earth, and gave his spirit to joined
Eve and eating the fruit. In doing so, Adam and
Eve gave into the great lie that they could be
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like God. They believed they could be the masters of
their own fate and rulers of their own lives. They
had set in motion an unbreakable chain of events that
would tear the very fabric of creation. As they ate
of the fruit, shame crept into their hearts. The souls
of men and women would be corrupted for generations to come,
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giving into the temptation towards Godhood. Even the bravest souls
would believe the lie that they can be like God.
The serpent crawled away, believing that he had won, but
he hadn't. A greater hero would come and vanquish the
sin caused by Adam and Eve. He would crush the
serpent's head. Chapter twenty four, Lust and Murder. The light
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spring sun rested in the middle of the sky over Jerusalem.
Its mild rays were uninterrupted by clouds and a beautiful
spring breeze carried in the scent of newly bloomed flowers.
David lay on a small bed of cushions in the
sun on the balcony of his roof, soaking in the
warmth of the day. The sun warmed his skin and
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the slight coolness of the breeze kept him from overheating.
David was half asleep, enjoying a perfectly peaceful afternoon and
resting his bones after a long battle. After his conquest
of the Syrians, David returned home to rest and enjoy
a break from the chaos of war. However, the Ammonites
were still a threat to Israel. King Hanoon and his
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army were preparing their next attack, so David sent Joe
ab Abeshi and Uriah to fight on his behalf. There
were good reports back from Rabah. Apparently they had subdued
the armies encamped on the borders and were close to
ravaging Ammon. Although it was his duty as king to
be present in battle, David thought he had earned a break.
(08:57):
He stretched his weary body out on the pillows and yawned.
This was the first pause he had given himself since
becoming king. Up until then, he had been consumed with
battles and trade agreements. He lounged in the sun and
sipped on a cup of wine, allowing lethargy to set in.
He stood to his feet and balanced himself on the railing.
(09:18):
He closed his eyes and drew in the sweet spring air.
His head was foggy and his mind was indolent from
all his napping. The king perused the city below, sipping
on his wine and smiling at the people below. David's
mind wandered as he looked out of the city. He
did not think of his men at war, nor did
he consider the victory God had just given him. He
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was content to simply look out and forget he was king.
He turned his cheek to the sun and stretched out
his arms. Another lethargic yawn exhaled from his mouth, and
just as he was about to retreat back into his home,
something caught his eye. A woman was bathing in a
tub on her roof, also enjoying the warmth the sun
on her skin. David did not look away. He leaned
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even further over the railing and took in the view.
She was breathtakingly beautiful. David's slightly ineborated mind did not
think twice about staring to him. She was an actress
in a play, and he was her single audience member.
Chills rose up David's back, and he felt the subtle
cues of lust making a home in his heart. Although
(10:27):
David had his pick of women, and more wives than
one man should have, he felt drawn to her. Perhaps
it was because she wasn't his and he wanted what
he couldn't have. Perhaps it was because he felt he
deserved a gift after having been so faithful. Whatever the
thought was, it possessed David to near madness. He grew
(10:47):
anxious with desire and could not remove the woman from
his gaze. Every single movement of hers enraptured him. Finally,
the woman was finished bathing. She wrapped herself up and
descended back in were home. The play was over, but
David was hoping for a second act. I must have her,
David whispered to himself, She must be mine. He turned
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back and beckoned his servant to come near. He gestured
to the home where the woman was. I need to
know who lives in at home. Find out for me
and come back with haste. The servant did as he
was told. He left the house of David and went
to investigate. David laid back down on the pillows and
looked up into the sky. Such beauty, he sighed to himself,
(11:35):
Such beauty. David closed his eyes and soaked in moore.
The sunlight and the breeze gently hummed him to sleep.
My Lord David woke up to a servant standing over him.
Speaker 9 (11:47):
My Lord, I have returned with news.
Speaker 2 (11:49):
The king rubbed his eyes and looked up. The sun
had begun its descent and the warmness of the day
was barely lingering in the air. The servant continued, saying.
Speaker 9 (12:00):
Any one currently in the home is Bathsheba, the wife
of Ariah. The heat tight one of your mighty men.
He is away with Joab, so she is alone.
Speaker 2 (12:08):
David nodded and held back an excited smile. He was
silent for a moment, considering what he was about to do.
On the surface, it seemed like just one decision. However,
up until now, David had a pattern of recklessness in
his romantic relationships. He acquired many wives and concubines without
consideration of what it would do to his heart and theirs.
(12:30):
This one moment was the climax of a thousand small compromises.
David looked up at a servant and said, bring her
to me. The servant said nothing. He simply bowed his
head and left. David stood up, straightened out his royal robes,
and went down to his bed chambers to prepare the
light of the beautiful spring. Sky slowly dissolved into darkness,
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and the moon appeared in full brightness. David did not
look up at the sky, as he often did. He
did not want to look up, for then he would
be forced to think of his God, the author of
his faith and convictions. Instead, he settled his gaze upon
the fireplace. The intense heat radiated into the rest of
the room. David's lust burned in his heart like the
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heat of the flames. The burning passion made him drunk.
He did not notice the coals falling outside the fireplace.
The hot coal simmered until finally dying outside the flames,
David paid no attention. He heard a knock at the door.
The large double door built of cedar and iron opened slowly.
(13:36):
The light emanating from the flames illuminated the room just
enough for him to see her. She wore a linen
dress that fell straight over her curves. Her brown, wavy
hair was laying over her shoulders. He watched every move
of her hips as she walked forward, back and forth.
They went like a pendulum, keeping David's full and undivided attention.
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There was a silence for a short while as they
stood there and stared at one another. Bathsheba was clearly nervous,
unwilling to meet David's objectifying eye. She directed her attention
to the tapestries mounted on David's walls. They were beautifully woven,
telling stories through images. The king cleared his throat and
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broke the silence. They were woven by an Egyptian needleworker,
he said, gesturing to the tapestries, a gift from the Pharaoh.
Bathsheba smiled and continued to peruse David's room. She looked
at the sword mounted above his fireplace.
Speaker 3 (14:34):
Is this it? She asked?
Speaker 6 (14:36):
Is this the sword of Goliath?
Speaker 3 (14:38):
It is?
Speaker 2 (14:39):
David replied. Bathsheba remained silent, uncomfortable and intimidated by the king.
She knew there would be no option out. She was
caught in an undefined space between honored guest and prisoner.
He stepped forward, and she stepped to the side and
kept looking around the room. David smirked. It was like
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a mating dance. David took two steps forward, then she
took another step forward, then two away from him. The
dance was exhilarating to David. Finally, they both found themselves
at the foot of the bed. She was within reach,
yet David waited for the perfect moment. He stood there
with heavy breath, waiting for Bathsheba to give him a signal.
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She didn't, but David was determined to find anything to
give him license to take her. Her hazel eyes shimmered
in the firelight. They were wide and bright, yet behind
them was a sense of mystery. David wanted to explore
that mystery. He wanted to take all of her in.
(15:43):
Bathsheba turned away for a moment.
Speaker 3 (15:45):
I should not be here, she whispered.
Speaker 2 (15:48):
David took his hand and gently placed it on her chin,
directing her face back at his. As the flickering flame
continued to burn, David leaned in and kissed her. David
wrapped his arms around Bathsheba and kissed her passionately. The
two of them were caught up in a passionate and
sinful affair, but David did not care in the moment.
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As the night drew on and their naked bodies wrapped
around one another, David willingly compromised his integrity in the
heat of passion. He did not think of his family.
In the forbidden pleasure, David enjoyed every second of his sin.
He felt invisible, untouchable, and immune to the effects of
his actions. He was gravely mistaken. Weeks passed, and David
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did his best to remove the night of sin from
his mind, but he could not. He thought about Bathsheba
more and more as the days rolled on. He did
not think of how he loved her or cared for her.
He simply loved the pleasure she brought him. It was
a low point for God's anointed. After his midnight escapade
with Bathsheba, David continued to shirk his responsibilities as king.
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The battle against the Ammonite still raged, and joe Ab
and his men continued their fight, but the king remained
at home. David rationalized his absence with matters of domestic need.
He met with the treasury and storehouse managers. He convened
with the judges and priests in the land. Yet he
did not do the primary thing he was called to
do as a king, protect and fight. Instead, he was
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content to spend a few hours a day working and
the rest of the day lazily lounging in the sun.
He spent more time with the king's harem than usual,
desperately trying to relive the exhilaration of his affair, But
the pleasure escaped him. There was a lingering emptiness he
could not seem to fill. A void was created in
him the night of his affair, and he was woefully
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unaware of.
Speaker 3 (17:48):
How to fill it.
Speaker 2 (17:49):
David looked out on the top of his roof again.
He did not look at the stars. He did not
bask in the majesty of the heavens and sing songs
like he usually did. No Dad, He looked down down
at the city, down at the streets of Jerusalem, and
down at the home of Bathsheba. He wondered if he
should beckon her again. Surely she would not refuse him.
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David stood to his feet and smiled. He descended down
the ladder back into his bedroom. He gestured to his
servant and said.
Speaker 6 (18:20):
Bring me Bathsheba. Again, tell her I desire to speak
with her.
Speaker 2 (18:25):
The servant paused and gave a nervous stir. He twiddled
his thumbs and looked away, considering what he should say next.
My Lord, he mumbled, I.
Speaker 9 (18:34):
Have been given word that Bathsheba desires to speak with you.
She has requested that she come immediately.
Speaker 2 (18:41):
Excellent news, David exclaimed.
Speaker 6 (18:43):
Then bring her to me. I shall prepare, and, as always,
tell no one of this.
Speaker 2 (18:50):
The servant knew what David did not. However, he thought
it best for the king to be told by Bathsheba.
So he sent for her, and in the secrecy of night,
the young woman was brought into his chambers. David ran
his hands through his curls and smiled. You looked radiant,
he said, softly, reaching to grab her hand. However, she
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pulled away and looked at him with fearful eyes. What
is wrong, David asked, my king.
Speaker 6 (19:17):
I I am.
Speaker 2 (19:19):
Pregnant, Bathsheba said, with a broken voice. Tears welled up
in her eyes, and she began to weep. David stepped
back and leaned against the table. His heart began to
pound heavily, and for the first time in weeks, he
felt completely sober. Are you sure, David asked desperately. Could
it be Uriah's Bathsheba looked at David angrily.
Speaker 9 (19:42):
Of course it is yours. My husband has been fighting
on your behalf against the Ammonites.
Speaker 10 (19:47):
I have not seen him in months.
Speaker 9 (19:51):
Now look at the mess you have created.
Speaker 3 (19:54):
She was right.
Speaker 2 (19:55):
David took advantage of a lonely woman without her husband.
He used his che arm and status to lure her in,
and now he found himself in an irreversible mess. Now
would normally be the time when David leaned on the
wisdom of God and repented. However, he had already created
a habit of leaning on his own desires. He ignored
his initial instinct to pray, and instead frantically reassured Bathsheba
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that he would handle everything. Do not worry, my dear,
David said nervously. I shall make this right. You will
not be cast aside, and all will be well again.
He kissed her on the forehead and had her sent
back home to rest. The king sat down at his
table and pulled at his hair. He called in his
servant and said.
Speaker 6 (20:39):
Sind word to Joab, I need Uriah to be taken
from battle and brought back to me.
Speaker 3 (20:46):
He said.
Speaker 2 (20:47):
The servant bowed his head and did as he was told.
The battle was grueling and seemed to drag on for
an eternity. The spring rains came early, and the valley
where the battle took place was soaking and muddy. Joe
Ab and the Army of Israel were able to breach
the enemy lines, but the weather inhibited them from taking
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hold of the city. Rain descended like arrows on them,
and the wind howled with ferocity. Joe Ab, Abishai, Joshubin,
and Uriah were huddled in a tent strategizing their next attack.
Speaker 8 (21:21):
Perhaps we can take the battle elsewhere.
Speaker 3 (21:23):
Abishai said, there's.
Speaker 8 (21:24):
No point in trudging through this mud any longer.
Speaker 2 (21:26):
Joe Ab agreed. His men were growing weary, and the
enemy was securely entrenched in the city. They were able
to recover with food and shelter. However, the army of
Israel dwindled in strength day by day.
Speaker 7 (21:38):
If we marched to the forest on the west of
the rob perhaps we will have a better chance, joe
Ab said, do we have the strength?
Speaker 3 (21:46):
Joshab be masked.
Speaker 10 (21:47):
We have successfully weakened Amen. Would it not be wise
to retreat, regain our strength, then finished them off. At
another time.
Speaker 7 (21:55):
We must finish what we have started.
Speaker 3 (21:58):
Uriah said.
Speaker 7 (21:59):
The integrity of our nation is at stake. They shamed
our king and continue to mock us. I for one
desire to press forward.
Speaker 2 (22:07):
Uriah was known as the kindest of the mighty men.
He was a man of honor, integrity, and strength. No
one quarreled with Uriah. They elevated him and trusted his thoughts.
The rest of the men nodded and directed their attention
back to the map. Very well, joe Ab said.
Speaker 7 (22:24):
If we are to press forward, we need to find
better ground to finish them off. I still think our
best chance is on the western front.
Speaker 6 (22:31):
We would be.
Speaker 7 (22:31):
Especially successful if David would send us reinforcements in the
next week.
Speaker 8 (22:35):
Have you heard anything from the king regarding reinforcements.
Speaker 7 (22:39):
I have sent word, but still no reply. It's not
like the king to ignore these things, joe Ab said.
Speaker 10 (22:44):
It is not like him to not be here with
us in the mud and dirt.
Speaker 2 (22:48):
Joshabeam added, as the men continued to strategize, a messenger
from Jerusalem entered the tent.
Speaker 9 (22:55):
Joeb, I have a request from the king to send
Uriah the heat type back to Jerusalem. He wishes to
speak with him.
Speaker 2 (23:01):
All eyes were on Uriah. It was an odd request,
and Uriah shrugged in ignorance.
Speaker 7 (23:06):
Do you know why I have been summoned?
Speaker 9 (23:09):
Uriah asked, He wishes to hear about the battle in
greater detail.
Speaker 2 (23:12):
The messenger replied, I have been told times of the essence.
Speaker 7 (23:16):
Uriah, you must implore the king to send us more men.
Speaker 3 (23:20):
Joe Ab said, the rain and.
Speaker 7 (23:21):
Wind has made everything a struggle, and we need fresh
legs if we are to push forward and end this battle.
Speaker 2 (23:26):
Uriah nodded and gathered his belongings. He mounted his horse
and rode with the messenger back to Jerusalem. The king
sat on his throne, listening to the elders give reports
on their tribes. He took note of the small disputes,
glaring needs, and successful growth. David was always adept at
listening to the elders and considering the wisdom they had
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to offer regarding the kingdom. It was a trait that
he hoped to pass down to his son Absalom, heir
to the throne. Yet today David's mind was elsewhere. He
was thinking about his new child and Bathsheba's womb. He
was anxious and nervously awaited the arrival of Uriah. After
the elders departed, the doors opened up and the messenger
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walked in with Uriah. His hair was dirty and soaked,
his armor was stained red and caked with mud. David's
heart beat profoundly at the sight of him. Euriah was
a loyal friend, one of his mighty men that followed
him in the wilderness. Yet the desire to cover up
his sin was greater than his conviction, and it took
David no time at all to begin his lies.
Speaker 6 (24:30):
Uriah, I am glad you have come. He stepped down
and embraced him. You must be weary from your travels.
Go and wash yourself and greet your wife. When you
have bathed and embraced her, we shall talk about the battle.
Uriah pursed his lips and shook his head with.
Speaker 7 (24:49):
All due respect, My king, I would like to update
you on the battle and request reinforcements. Then I would
like to return to the men they need me.
Speaker 2 (24:58):
David winced at euryse noble heart. Pangs of conviction began
to bubble up, but he ignored them. He would not
admit his fault he needed to continue in his manipulation.
I admire your spirit, David replied, However, I have much
to do before tomorrow. Let us convene tomorrow. Go home,
enjoy a warm bed with your wife, and we shall
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speak tomorrow. The king left the throne room, hoping your
Eye would go home to Bathsheba. No doubt Bathsheba would
know to take your Rye into the bed. That way,
Rye would think the child within.
Speaker 3 (25:33):
Her was his.
Speaker 2 (25:35):
However, your Ryah did not do what he was told.
He waited outside the king's house and rested his head
against the stone walls. He closed his eyes and breathed
in the spring air. It had been a long time
since he had the sun shine on his face. Ammon
had been covered by clouds for over a week. Your
Eye's weary bones relaxed outside, and he fell asleep near
(25:56):
the steps. David was up all night ansios, pacing back
and forth near the fire. He would be more comfortable
knowing Euriah was with Bathsheba. However, until he had confirmation,
he continued to nervously walk in circles. In all the
anxiety and waiting, it did not occur to him to
seek the Lord. The shame in his heart kept him
(26:17):
from approaching his God. Instead of confessing and bringing his
sin to the altar of the Lord, he buried his
shame and sought to cover up his sin. After a
sleepless night in his room, he rose up at sunrise
to walk the garden. The morning fog was thick, and
a dark figure sat in the front of his home.
To David's dismay, it was euriahs sleeping on the floor.
Speaker 3 (26:39):
Uriah.
Speaker 6 (26:40):
David shouted, startling him, awake, What are you doing here?
Why have you not gone home to your wife? You
had a long journey. Why would you not allow yourself
to rest? Euriah stood at attention. He was shorter than David,
yet somehow seemed a hundred feet taller.
Speaker 7 (26:57):
The ark of the Covenant dwells in a tent. Joe
Ab and the others are camping in the mud with
arrows being fired at them. For me to eat, drink
and lie with my wife would be a disgrace. How
could I live with myself knowing that they are cold
and vulnerable? Well, I am warm and full.
Speaker 2 (27:18):
David was growing irritated with Euriah's righteousness. It vexed him
to be in the presence of someone so devoted it
made his own shortcomings all the more real. He forced
a smile and placed a hand on your RYA's shoulder.
Speaker 6 (27:32):
What a blessing it is to have you as a
brother in arms. Uriah, Come, let us eat and discuss
the war. You shall stay with me today and I
shall send you back tomorrow.
Speaker 2 (27:45):
The two of them entered the courtroom and spoke about
the war. How are the men faring, David asked, gritting
his teeth suffering. Euriah said, we were able.
Speaker 7 (27:55):
To overpower their army on the battlefield, but complications with
the weather have kept us from a dancing forward. They
are fortified in the city while we are rotting away
in the cold.
Speaker 6 (28:05):
Is there no way to proceed? Surely we outnumber them,
David said.
Speaker 7 (28:11):
Yes, but terrain inhibits us greatly. There is a plan
to attack from the west, but our chances would be
greater if we had reinforcements.
Speaker 6 (28:18):
I am not sure I can spare more men, David
said frankly. We have sent many to the battle, and
if we sin more we leave our borders vulnerable.
Speaker 7 (28:27):
I understand, my king, However, this could be over quickly
if we had just a few hundred extra men.
Speaker 2 (28:33):
David paused and considered what Yourriyah was saying. Over quickly,
he said in a whisper. Darkness was slithering into David's heart.
Speaker 6 (28:42):
Yes, I do desire for this to be over quickly,
he said, in a stern voice. You will have your reinforcements.
Riyah rest assured you have convinced me. Now come have
a drink with me, and we shall send you off proper.
Speaker 7 (29:00):
I couldn't Lord not while the other men, I insist.
Speaker 6 (29:04):
David interrupted, You are an old friend and a loyal soldier.
I would very much like to enjoy your company before
sending you off. The more rested you are, the better
off you will be in battle. Now, drink and eat.
Speaker 2 (29:20):
So Uryah did as the king asked. David had meats,
cheeses and wine brought in. He told the servants to
always keep Eurya's cup full. To the best of David's ability,
he tried to get the man drunk. More wine for
my friend, he ordered, with a laugh, Come drink up
and enjoy this last night. So Uriah continued to drink.
(29:43):
As soon as the man was sufficiently drunk, David leaned
over and said.
Speaker 6 (29:48):
You must miss your wife dearly you. Yah, she is beautiful.
Speaker 2 (29:54):
Oh yes, Euryah said, with a sleepy slur, she.
Speaker 7 (29:57):
Is the love of my life, a cool spring in
a desolate desert.
Speaker 2 (30:03):
His poetic description of his wife did not help with
David's guilt.
Speaker 6 (30:07):
Go home, Uriah, embrace her as her husband. No doubt
you are anxious to bid her.
Speaker 2 (30:14):
Again, David said, however, you're Riah, even while ineberated, shook
his head.
Speaker 7 (30:20):
I will not, he said, she is a delicacy. If
I bed her while my comrades lye in the dirt,
What kind of man am I? Why should I bathe
in gold when they bathe in filth? Now I shall
sleep here and then leave.
Speaker 3 (30:38):
In the morning.
Speaker 2 (30:39):
Uriah stumbled up onto his feet, knocking over his cup
in the process. He stated himself and focused. After composing himself,
he waddled over to a nearby lounging area and fell
face first into the cushions. David walked over and tried
to shake him awake, but he was fast asleep. The
king was frustrated at the situation he found himself in.
(31:03):
Uriah would not sleep with his wife in time to
cover up their affair. David found himself at a crossroads.
He could either give up the charade and confess, or
continue to get tangled in the web of lies he
had spun. Furious, David began to storm off, knocking over
the iron.
Speaker 6 (31:19):
Coat pullet Sir.
Speaker 2 (31:21):
They spilled onto the floor away from the fire. One
of them burned his foot. He yelled and cursed, clean
this up. The Chosen King of God was losing the battle.
Sin had a hold of him like a predator, and
it was sinking its teeth deeper into his neck. David
stormed out, nearly breaking the wooden door. He clenched his
(31:42):
fists and tensed his whole body. He had so much
rage boiling up in him. All Uriah had to do
was sleep with his wife. David found it effortless to
sleep with Bathsheba, but Uriah was able to maintain his conviction.
Why did Uriah have to make things difficult?
Speaker 3 (32:00):
Ah?
Speaker 2 (32:01):
David screamed into the dark night. He took a stone
from the floor and threw it at the fence near
the garden. He punched at the air and screamed into
the voy. What am I going to do? He thought
to himself. He has ruined everything, David was unable to
see that Uriah had done nothing wrong. It was he
who got himself into this situation. He paused his clamoring
(32:23):
for a moment and drew a deep breath. He closed
his eyes and thought about his options. Then an idea
came to him. In all his years, he had never
considered something so hideous and sinful, yet he had already
trained his mind to ignore the voice of God. Without
a second thought, David re entered his home and began
(32:43):
to write a message to Joab Joe Ab.
Speaker 6 (32:46):
It has come to my attention that the front lines
are in need of more soldiers after Uriah's visit. I
have decided to send you reinforcements. However, I am also
requesting something from you. It is a matter of great
importance and will require your secrecy. As my commander and
right hand set Uriah at the forefront of the harshest
(33:09):
parts of the battlefield when he marches, in order the
other soldiers to delay before following him. I need Uriah
to fall from the battlefield. Considering my forgiveness of your
crimes against Abner, I trust that you will obey me
without question. King David.
Speaker 2 (33:31):
David sealed the letter with his royal emblem and had
his messenger leave immediately to Joab. He sat back in
his seat, contemplating what he had just done. He had
set in motion something that could not be Undone tomorrow
Urai would leave to fight, and he would never return again.
Nothing would ever be the same. The army of Israel
(33:53):
marched behind Joab to besiege the city. They marched from
the west, where the terrain was easier to traverse. The
Ammonite army was postured in front of the city ready
to defend it. They were wrapped around the walls, covering
every entrance. In order to get within the city borders,
they needed to fight through them. Joab looked out at
(34:13):
the vast army inside. He gripped the letter from the
king in his hands and crumbled it in his fist.
He was grieved at what he was about to do.
Abhshi was on his right and Uriah was on his left.
He gestured to the two of them, saying.
Speaker 7 (34:28):
Abishai, you will lead a group straight on into the fray. Uriyah,
you and I will lead a smaller band of men
around the perimeter.
Speaker 2 (34:35):
Both of them nodded, and the battle was under way.
Abshi led the charge directly in front of the gates.
The two armies clashed and began to battle. Joe Ab
and Yuryah led a group of a hundred men around
the perimeter to pick off the city guard. Joab knew
that there were archers at the top of the walls.
It happened quickly. Uriah ran around the corner of the
(34:57):
wall and immediately saw a shower of arrows fall from above.
All Joab could hear was the clamoring of guards and
the sudden scream of Uriah. Tears streamed down his face,
and he called for his men to turn the corner
and fight. Joab fought with rage, anguish, and heartbreak. Uriah
was beloved and an honorable man. He did not know
(35:20):
why he deserves such a fate.
Speaker 6 (35:22):
The blood of Uriah is on David's hands, not mine,
he thought to himself.
Speaker 9 (35:31):
The men gained advantage over our army, but we managed
to drive them back all the way to the edges
of the gates.
Speaker 3 (35:36):
The messenger told David.
Speaker 9 (35:37):
Joab is confident that another attack will finally allow them
to breach the city.
Speaker 3 (35:41):
King. David nodded and looked up.
Speaker 6 (35:44):
Were there many who were lost.
Speaker 9 (35:45):
He asked, yes, my king, According to Joab, they had
many archers set on the walls, many soldiers were dead.
Speaker 3 (35:54):
Any of note, David asked.
Speaker 9 (35:56):
Just one, my king, one of your mighty men he
has followed.
Speaker 2 (36:04):
David feigned shocked and stood to his feet. It was
a terrible performance, but the messenger fell for it. He
put a hand over his forehead.
Speaker 6 (36:12):
Inside a tragedy, he said, Tell Joab to not let
this matter discourage him. The sword devours one person now
and then another. Tell him to strengthen his attack against
the city. I shall send even more men. Encourage him
and tell him well done.
Speaker 2 (36:33):
The messenger bowed his head and departed. When the door closed,
David released his breath. He panted heavily and fell on
to his knees. Uriah was dead, and he killed him.
Word was sent to Bathsheba that Uriah had been killed
in battle. Her lament was great. She knew that David
had a hand in it. The guilt of her affair
(36:56):
and the sorrow of her loss was almost too much
to bear. She shot herself out for days, not allowing
anyone to enter her chambers. At night, she cried herself
to sleep, unable to bear the immeasurable guilt. Her sorrow
was David's doing, since he had been unable to control himself. Yet,
even in her mourning, she knew that time was of
(37:17):
the essence. Euriah's death would be meaningless unless her and
David were married. Once the period of mourning was over,
and before Bathsheba began to show signs of pregnancy, David
sent for her. She took off her veil of mourning
and exchanged it for a wedding veil. She was carried
out gently on a wedding seat lifted high in the air.
(37:37):
The entire city watched as she passed, whispering and wondering
who she was to have won the affections of the king.
She was brought to the king's house. Attending the wedding
were a few of David's mighty men, Shama Eliezar Benaya,
Joe ab Abeshi, and Joshubin. Also in attendance was Nathan
the Prophet. He remained in the back of the court,
(38:00):
leaning against the fountain. He watched as David held his
bride's hand and looked her in the eyes. He watched
his eyes drift from her face down to her belly.
It was at that moment Nathan felt the prompting of
God's voice. The anger of God was awakened, and Nathan
feared the worst for the young king. It was early
in the morning, and David arose before the sunrise to
(38:23):
walk the garden. He rolled out of his bed and
looked at his new bride beside him. It all seemed
much more empty and pointless now. The anxiety of covering
up their affair had left them exhausted. David had a
disquieted soul, but he did not know it. The radical
self reflection he once had was gone. His conscience was
(38:44):
like an unsharpened blade, rusty and dull. He had spent
so much time quieting the voice of God's spirit within
him that it was nearly impossible for him to feel
guilty anymore. He wrapped himself in his royal robes and
left the house to stroll among the garden. The mild
spring air was slowly giving way to the heat of summer.
David could sense it would be a warm day. He
(39:07):
walked the gardens, humming an old tune and listening to
the birds. Then, almost out of nowhere, Nathan the prophet appeared.
Speaker 6 (39:15):
Ah ah, Nathan, you startled.
Speaker 2 (39:18):
Me, the king said with laughter. He placed a hand
on his shoulder and smiled.
Speaker 6 (39:22):
It was great to see you at the wedding bath.
Sheba and I were pleased to have you there.
Speaker 2 (39:28):
Nathan nodded and forced a smile.
Speaker 6 (39:30):
I wouldn't have missed it, my son. However, I wish
I could carry all in the celebration, but alas I cannot.
I have heard disturbing news. But what troubles you, David
asked ignorantly. The old man gestured for the king to
sit down. The two of them sat beside one another,
(39:50):
sulking in the new rays of the morning. Nathan sighed
and said, there were two men who lived in the same.
Speaker 3 (39:57):
Village he began.
Speaker 6 (39:59):
One of them was very rich, the other was very poor.
The rich man had many flocks of sheep, goats and
herds of oxen, but the poor man had nothing but
one single little lamb. He had bought this lamb with
money he had saved for quite some time. He nursed
(40:21):
the lamb, bathed it, and nurtured it. In fact, the
little lamb would even sleep with his children at night.
The lamb was like a daughter to this poor man.
Speaker 2 (40:34):
Nathan smiled and looked at David. The King was clearly
enjoying the story thus far, and Nathan knew he had
his attention. Nathan frowned and said.
Speaker 6 (40:43):
However, something disturbing happened to that poor man. One day
a traveler came to visit the rich man. Now, the
rich man wanted to feed his guest, but he did
not want to prepare any of his own animals. So
in the middle of the night, the rich man went
into the poor man's home and stole the little lamb.
(41:07):
He killed it and prepared it to feed his guest,
and the poor man was left with nothing.
Speaker 2 (41:16):
David was utterly distraught at the news. What he exclaimed,
who is this man? As the Lord lives, the man
who has done this deserves to die. I will restore
the lamb forefold to the poor man. What eager, maniacal
monster would do such a thing. Nathan stood to his
feet and held out a finger to the king. His
(41:36):
eyes were filled with righteous indignation. The old prophet boomed
his voice downward towards the king.
Speaker 6 (41:43):
You are that man, King, David.
Speaker 2 (41:46):
Nathan's voice carried and echoed across the garden. It sent
chills down David's spine.
Speaker 3 (41:51):
What do you mean, David asked.
Speaker 6 (41:54):
Thus says the Lord, the God of Israel and the
God of Justice. I anointed you king over the nation,
and I delivered you from the wrath of Saul. I
gave you a grand home, wives, and the entire house
of Israel and Judah. And if this were too little,
I have also added victories and conquests to you. Why then,
(42:16):
have you despised my word and done what is evil?
You have struck down Youriah the Hittite, a child of Israel,
had taken his wife.
Speaker 2 (42:28):
David was shaken to his core. Nathan spoke with the
authority of God. He could feel the Lord's anger bubbling
over Lord.
Speaker 6 (42:36):
He murmured, Ah, I just hear the word of the Lord,
giant slayer.
Speaker 2 (42:42):
Nathan interrupted, Behold.
Speaker 6 (42:45):
The sword shall never depart from your house because of
the violence you enacted against your Ayah. Violence will plague
your household, and strife will come upon you. I will
raise up evil against you out of your own home.
Your wives will scorn you, take on of the lovers,
(43:05):
and they will do so publicly and in the sun.
For you did it secretly. But I will punish you
before all Israel and for the world to see.
Speaker 2 (43:17):
David fell on to his knees. He wept at the
feet of Nathan.
Speaker 6 (43:21):
Ah, I have sinned, Lord, he whimpered, I have no excuse.
Speaker 2 (43:26):
Nathan knelt down and touched David on the shoulder. He
spoke in a gentle voice, saying.
Speaker 6 (43:32):
The Lord will forgive you my king. You will not die,
and your kingdom shall remain. Nevertheless, because of all the
strife and chaos this is caused, the child who is
born to you, out of sin, shall die.
Speaker 2 (43:51):
David darted his eyes up to Nathan. He shook his
head in disbelief, but Nathan had nothing left to say.
He rose and went back to his house, leaving David
in emotional and spiritual disarray.
Speaker 3 (44:04):
What have I done?
Speaker 2 (44:05):
David whispered to himself. He looked up at the sky
for the first time in weeks.
Speaker 6 (44:10):
Where have I gone?
Speaker 2 (44:11):
It was as if a fog was cleared from David's
head and he was finally able to see what he
had gotten himself caught up in. He placed his face
in his hands and.
Speaker 6 (44:20):
Wept, Who have I become?
Speaker 2 (44:25):
Weeks turned into months, and David trudged around Jerusalem in
the melancholy days. As Bathsheba's belly grew larger, so did
David's dread. He placed his hand on her pregnant belly
and held his head to it.
Speaker 3 (44:39):
Oh little, he whispered.
Speaker 6 (44:41):
Oh, how I pray the Lord does not follow through
with his word.
Speaker 2 (44:46):
Tears streamed down his cheeks, and Bethsheba held his head close.
Both of them wept, for they knew it was only
a matter of time before their sins finally caught.
Speaker 3 (44:55):
Up to them.
Speaker 2 (44:57):
Only days after her ninth month of Pregnancythsheba went into labor.
It was a long and painful berth, drawing out for hours.
David paced outside the room where Bathsheba and the nurse
maids labored. He listened to her shrieks of agony echoed
down the halls. He leaned his back against the walls
and slid down onto the floor, covering his ears in shame.
(45:20):
Keep them safe, he prayed, please. However, the painful screams
continued until finally, in the sixteenth hour they ceased. David
darted into the room to find Bathsheba lying down with
her baby wrapped in her arms. It was a boy,
a beautiful baby. Boy with light ruddy hair like his father.
(45:41):
David knelt down beside his wife and child. He stroked
the baby's cheek. He wasn't crying, he was silent, seeming
to struggle for breath. David and Bathsheba leaned their heads
against one another and wet. They knew the boy didn't
have much time left. Bathsheba nursed her son, and David
stood to his feet. He furrowed his brow and looked
(46:04):
out the window.
Speaker 6 (46:05):
I am going to speak with the Lord, David.
Speaker 3 (46:08):
Said, with a determined tone.
Speaker 6 (46:10):
I have been silent towards him for too long.
Speaker 2 (46:14):
So David left and walked outside. The evening was dry
and crisp. David could see his breath in the coolness
of the air. He removed his royal robes and outstretched
his arms to God. I am here, Lord, he said,
with a cracked voice, you have my attention. David fell
to his knees into the dust. He violently buried his
(46:37):
face into the dirt and moaned to the Lord. He
wrestled to gain connection with God once again. He had
strayed so far from him that he feared reconciliation was impossible.
But God was near. God heard every incoherent and bumbling prayer,
David prostrated before God and would not remove himself from
(46:58):
the dirt all day and night. He lay there, calling
out to God and lamenting his sin.
Speaker 6 (47:04):
Save my child, he shouted, I beg you Lord.
Speaker 2 (47:09):
David remained in the dust for days, refusing to remove himself.
He did not eat. Only occasionally would he drink water.
The rest of the time he was on his face
before God. His body was covered in dust, and below
him was a puddle of mud from the dust mixed
with David's tears. His prayer and fasting were not tools
(47:29):
to get whatever he wanted from God. They were demonstrations
of radical submission and surrender to God's power and will.
David knew he could not deter the direction of God's will.
The elders of his house approached him each day and
stood beside him o a king. They would say, get
up and eat before you perish. However, he would not
(47:50):
be raised from the ground. Though they would try and
rip him away from his place of prayer, David refused.
At night, he endured the biting cold. In the day,
he endured the blistering sun. His entire body shook from
lack of food and exposure to the elements. Then, on
the seventh day, the elders approached him again, Lord David,
(48:11):
They said gently. However, David did not respond. They whispered
among themselves, not sure how to say what they needed
to say.
Speaker 6 (48:19):
Look at him, How are we supposed to tell him
that his son has passed? He might kill himself if
he finds out.
Speaker 2 (48:27):
However, David could hear their whispers. It was early in
the morning, and the sunrise was cresting over the city
like a messenger of joy. The gentle morning breeze caressed
David's cheek and he could once again feel the presence
of God returning to him. He stood to his feet,
knees quivering from lack of movement. The elders rushed to
him to help him up. David stumbled and they caught him.
(48:51):
He was panting and weak from starvation. With a raspy
and frail voice, he asked, is my son dead? They
remained silent, afraid of what David might do. David nodded
and limped back into the palace. He poured himself a
warm basin of water and washed himself from head to toe.
(49:13):
The water was a pleasant bomb to his damaged skin.
He anointed his head with oil. The fragrance filled his lungs,
and he felt clean once again. His servants stood outside
his room, ready to care for him. At a moment's notice.
David opened the door and gave a gentle smile. Would
you please retrieve me some food.
Speaker 3 (49:32):
He asked.
Speaker 2 (49:34):
They did as they were told and brought him some
cured meat, figs, and bread. David ate silently by himself,
filling his belly and thanking the Lord. The servants were
confused by David's behavior. For an entire week, he was
broken and prostrated before the Lord, begging for the child
to be healed. Now he was clean, eating and smiling.
(49:56):
What are you doing, one of the servants asked, you fat.
Speaker 9 (50:00):
Rusted and wept while the child was still alive, and
now that he is dead, you are eating.
Speaker 2 (50:05):
David looked up from his food and considered the question.
He held himself like a man at peace. He shruddened
and said.
Speaker 6 (50:12):
While the child was still alive, I fasted and prayed
for I thought, who knows whether the Lord will be
gracious to me or not. Perhaps the child will live,
But now that he is dead, why should I weep
and fast? Can I bring him back again? One day,
(50:36):
when I passed from this life, I shall see my
baby again, but he will not come back to me
in this life. So I will sit here and regain
my strength. Then I will go to comfort my wife.
Then I will repent and be devoted to the Lord
(50:58):
once again.
Speaker 2 (51:00):
The servants departed, and David stood up and picked up
his lyre. During his seven days in the dust, a
song was put on his heart, a song of pain,
suffering and redemption, a song that would echo into eternity
as an anthem of repentance. He sat down by his
window and plucked the lyre. With his voice still rasping
(51:21):
from days without food, he sang.
Speaker 11 (51:25):
Have mercy on me, o God, according to your unfailing
love for me, according to your abundant mercy, Blot out
my transgressions, Wash me.
Speaker 6 (51:48):
From my tresses, and cleanse me from my against you,
and you will have, I said, my evil is before you.
Speaker 4 (52:11):
Please, O Lord, be pure in your judge, Behold you
delight in truth. In the end, would be you teach
me wisdom in the hidden chambers of my heart.
Speaker 3 (52:36):
Purge me.
Speaker 6 (52:39):
And wash me clear, Wash me wider than snow. Let
me hear a song of gladness from Let these bones
that you have broken, rejoy. Hide your face from my sins,
(53:07):
and bloot out my evil deeds. Create in me clean heart, O.
Speaker 12 (53:18):
God, renew your righteous spirit within me. Do not cast
me out of your presence, and do not take away
your spirit. Restore to me the joy of your salvation,
(53:38):
and uphold me with a willing heart.
Speaker 6 (53:44):
Deliver me, o God, God of my salvation.
Speaker 3 (53:49):
Deliver me.
Speaker 6 (53:52):
My tongue will sing aloud your righteousness. Open up my lips,
and I will declare there your praise. For I know
now that you do not delight in sacrifice, Oh burnt offerings,
the true sacrifices, Oh God, are a bron spear broken,
(54:23):
and contrite heart. Do good to your nation in Zion,
Build up the walls of Jerusalem.
Speaker 2 (54:37):
After David finished his song to the Lord, he looked
over Bathsheba was standing at the doorway, listening. Her eyes
were red from tears. He beckoned her over, and she
sat at his feet. He sang the song again, this
time with his wife beside him. He knew he had
failed her. He knew he may fail her again. However,
(54:59):
he would not depart from the Lord again. He would
not leave his presence and forsake the guidance of his spirit.
The two of them developed love for one another, and
that love bore a new baby boy whose name was Solomon.
And the Lord loved Solomon and would be faithful to
him for all of his days. The tragedy caused by
(55:19):
David was not beyond the redemption of God. Through Solomon,
a temple would be built, and the presence of God
would burst forth from the heart of Jerusalem.
Speaker 3 (55:30):
One day.
Speaker 2 (55:31):
Through his lineage, a new king would be born, a
king that would not fail like David did, a king
that would reign with righteousness, love and compassion, A king
whose strength would topple the greatest enemy of them all,
sin itself. This king would be the greater David. He
would succeed where David could not.
Speaker 1 (55:55):
James, the brother of Jesus, gave us great insight when
he said, no, no one say what he is tempted.
I am being tempted by God. For God cannot be
tempted with evil, and He himself tempts no one. But
each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed
by his own desire. Then Desire when it is conceived,
(56:15):
gives birth to sin, and sin, when it is fully grown,
brings forth death. I think this is a perfect place
for us to begin as we unpack the decisions made
by King David. God did not tempt David, nor was
this a test to prove David's ability to resist temptation.
David was lured and enticed by his own desire. He
(56:37):
had given fuel to his desire ever since becoming king.
He accumulated more wives and grew the king's harem, and
ignored warnings from his subjects. We were warned that something
like this might happen. Desire is like a newly conceived
baby in its mother's wound. After a while, desire grows,
eventually being birthed into what we know as sin. What
(57:00):
does this mean for us and what did it mean
for David? It means that oftentimes the sins we commit
are an accumulation of thoughts and desires that have grown
over time. David had made small compromises in his family
that made this decision easier. He increased his harem and
accumulated more wives, diluting his judgment. When it came to lust,
(57:24):
he had also allowed himself to stay back and enjoy
creature comforts while his men suffered. These decisions alone set
David up for failure. Just like even the prelude. It
seemed like their hearts were committed to sin before they
ever acted. This episode provided commentary on David's decision. It said,
(57:45):
on the surface, it seemed like just one decision. However,
up until now, David had a pattern of recklessness in
his romantic relationships. He acquired many wives and concubines without
consideration of what it would do to his heart and theirs.
This one moment was the climax of a thousand small compromises.
(58:05):
You see, we think our sin is just one decision,
but it isn't. It's a thousand small decisions that build
into hundreds of larger decisions, ultimately leading to one large
and irreversible decision. Earlier episodes gave us some hints that
this was going to happen. Did you listen again and
(58:26):
hear them? In episode twenty three, we are told the
entire continent knew once and for all that David was king,
elevated by God, and no one would defeat him, No
one from the outside. That is, after this statement. There
is a scene with David leaning over the balcony of
his roof. People who know the story of David might
(58:48):
have thought that that would be the moment he saw Bathsheba.
In episode twenty, David asked Abner to bring Michael to him,
and Benaya tries to warn him, I know just the thing.
David stepped forward and said to the messenger, tell your
master that I will accept his request to meet. However,
I have a condition. He shall not see my face
(59:09):
until he first brings me my first wife, Michael. Saul's
cruelty turned her away from me, and she will be
given to another man. I slaid one hundred Philistines for
the right to marry her, and I desire her back
another wife. But now I'm mumbo. Be careful, my friend.
David ignored his friend's jab. In episode thirteen, the day
(59:32):
after they ball had been killed, David seeks out Abigail.
He felt a flutter in his stomach and smiled. Abigail
for a breathtaking woman, he thought to himself. David closed
his eyes and smiled. He shook his head and lifted
his hands to heaven. He sprinted out of the woods
and retrieved the horse without telling his men. David galloped
(59:53):
to Nabo's home. It was late and the stars were
brightly arrayed over the horizon. David rode to Abigail go
home and looked up. Abigail was once again sitting at
her window. Do you see what's been happening? David has
already been making it a habit to take someone else's wife.
Michael was married to another man, and David took her
(01:00:14):
away from him. Abigail had just been widowed, and David
wooed her. David's patterns have been subtle and under the radar,
but now we are seeing the accumulation of seemingly small decisions,
and we are realizing that David has been ignoring those clues.
Up until now, David seemed to be immune to the
(01:00:35):
entitlement of the throne. But in his weakened and inebriated state,
we see his character slip. He fell into the trap
of I deserve this, and I work hard enough to
indulge every once in a while. This is how sin
often begins with entitlement. For whatever reason, our hearts can
convince themselves that they deserve to indulge, no matter who
(01:00:57):
gets hurt. David's mind is made up, and he sends
for Bathsheba. She obeys, But we must not mistake what's
happening here for a mutual affair. David is the most
powerful man in the country. Ultimately, we don't know how
Bathsheba felt about this. David used his status to bring
her to him. At this point in the story, it
(01:01:20):
is important for us to consider a few difficult things.
It is hard to believe that Bathsheba's relationship with David
was consensual. Whether Bathsheba desired David or not. He used
his status to lure her in. He was the king,
and you don't disobey the king. Let's say Basheba didn't
want to sleep with David, what choice does she have
(01:01:42):
but to come when he calls. An often unspoken sin
in this story is that David leveraged his title to
get a woman to do what he wanted. He put
her in a vulnerable position, and God's anger will be
kindled against him for it. David took advantage of Bashi,
and there is nowhere around it. We do not know
(01:02:03):
her state of mind, but the fact is she didn't
have a choice either way. Let this hideous sin be
a reminder that nobody is immune to sin and pride,
not even the Giant Slayer himself. As terrible as David's
affair was, it was not even his most egregious sin.
After failing to cover up his sin, he sent Uriah
(01:02:24):
to the front lines to be killed. David was safe
from the judgment of man, all the while invoking the
judgment of God. One of the worst parts about this
episode is that even after his night with Bshiba, we
are given this sense that the death of URII could
have been avoided. Remember when God saved David from joining
forces with the Philistines. God has proven time and time
(01:02:48):
again to David that he will deliver him from his
poor decisions, but David refuses to reach up to God.
He refuses to ask for forgiveness. Instead, he frantically tries
to cover up his mistakes. In this episode, King David
bears an uncanny resemblance to King Saul. He wears a
false smile, he uses a manipulative tone, and he refuses
(01:03:11):
to face God like a man. David has forgotten who
he is, which is exemplified in all the references to
his royal robes. Did you notice that he is wearing
his royal robes and not the ones Jonathan gave him.
This was a smaller reminder that David had forgotten the
shepherd who sang to God the blood of you Ryah
(01:03:31):
was on his hands, but David continued lying to everyone
and himself self. Deception is a powerful thing. Our minds
do not like the stress of guilt, so we come
up with all sorts of excuses and distractions to keep
us from feeling shame. David was living as if he
hadn't just gotten another man's wife pregnant and then killed
(01:03:52):
him to cover it up. Can I say something slightly
uncomfortable for a moment, I promise it will lead us
to a good place back. It was a king's prerogative
to take whoever he wanted and kill whoever he wanted.
It wasn't right, but it was not uncommon for a
king in those days to take other men's wives and
kill them. Since this was a monarchy and not a democracy,
(01:04:15):
nobody held the king accountable. Kings of other nations would
get away with something like this because it was commonplace,
but not the king of God's nation, not God's chosen hero.
Perhaps speaking from personal experience, David's son Solomon said, for
the Lord disciplines him who he loves like a father
(01:04:36):
to a son, and whom he delights. God loves David
too much to let him get away with his sin.
The episode continued down a tragic course. Nathan confronts David
by telling him about a rich man who took a
poor man's lamb. The King's outrage revealed just how ignorant
he was to his own sin. This is an important
(01:04:56):
lesson for us. When we cut out the voice of
God in our hearts, the outrage we are supposed to
have toward our own sin is pointed at others. David
recognized the sin of the rich man, but had no
clue it was really about him. Nathan gave David a
chilling rebuke followed by a curse. Behold, the sword shall
(01:05:16):
never depart from your house because of the violence you
enacted against you, Riah. Violence will plague your household, and
strife will come upon you. I will raise up evil
against you out of your own home. Your wives will
scorn you and take on other lovers, and they will
do so publicly and in the sun. For you did
it secretly. But I will punish you before all Israel.
(01:05:40):
This curse will turn out to be true. Violence is
going to plague his household, and David will find himself
drowning in a sea of his own mistakes. At this
point in the story, we're getting too many flashbacks to
King Saul. David has become just like him, corrupt, selfish,
and ignorant to his own pride. Is hope lost for
(01:06:02):
our hero? Is he destined to fade away into darkness
like Saul did?
Speaker 6 (01:06:07):
No.
Speaker 1 (01:06:07):
In fact, we're reminded about some of the main differences
between David and Saul. David, when faced with this sin,
repents immediately. He is despondent, repentant, and completely submissive to
God's correction. It has often been said that the maturity
of our faith isn't always measured in how often we sin,
but how long it takes us to repent After we
(01:06:30):
have sinned. David's heart is reconnected with God's and they
begin to rebuild their fractured relationship. David will still need
to answer for his sins. Tragedy will befall his household,
and David's weakened character may prove to make it worse.
I wish I could say Our story gets brighter from here,
but it doesn't. There is more darkness to walk through
(01:06:52):
before we see any light. Join us next time for
episode twenty five, The Exiled Sun. Thanks again for listening.
For more inspiring stories, daily prayers and wisdom to last
the lifetime, go to pray dot com and to expand
your heroes in the Bible Journey, download the Heroes of
the Faith devotional at Tonyevans dot org. Forward slash Heroes.
(01:07:17):
Follow the podcast on Apple or Spotify to get the
newest episodes right as they come out, and always be
inspired by the Bible. God bless.
Speaker 8 (01:07:29):
Hello.
Speaker 5 (01:07:29):
My name is Matthew Potter, co founder of pray dot com.
Speaker 8 (01:07:32):
I wanted to ask do you know what your bank
does with your money? At America's Christian Credit Union, your
everyday banking helps grow churches, expand the reach of missions agencies,
and supports fellow believers across the country.
Hi, I'm doctor Tony Evans, and welcome to the epic
Adventure of David, a story of honor, battle, jealousy, darkness, friendship, love, scandal,
and murder. While most people know of David the myth,
few know about David the man. This episode is a
tale of David's greatest failure. There could be no understanding
(00:22):
just how far the king falls in this episode. From
the very beginning of this tale, you will barely be
able to recognize David. Nothing about this episode seems normal.
His failure can be jarring for us and difficult to understand.
But there have been breadcrumbs bringing us to this moment.
Small hints and details in David's story have been warning
(00:46):
us that this might happen. This episode is tragic, but
remember what I've been reminding you of this whole time.
David is not the ultimate hero of this story. His
collapse is a warning to us all small compromises over
time can lead to huge defeats. Many of our most
egregious sins were committed in our hearts before the actual
(01:09):
moment we acted. This is exemplified in our prelude as
we get a glimpse into the inner dialogue of Eve.
Her conversation with the serpent reflects our own dangerous dance
with sin and pride. Take this episode in for all
it is allow yourself to feel the weightiness of what's happening.
(01:29):
We can't shy away from the difficult stories, for within
them are profound truths and serious warnings. If we come
in with humble and reflective hearts, we will be better
off for the mission ahead of us. No more pretense.
His episode twenty four Lust and Murder.
Speaker 2 (01:51):
Prelude to chapter twenty four. All was that piece. Birds
sang to the song of new creation, Animals roamed the
plains unafraid, and humanity danced under the protective canopy of
the garden. A cool mist blew through the forest, dispersing
the sunlight in a thousand different directions. Every part of
(02:12):
Creation was working together like a symphony towards its creator.
Adam and Eve joined in the symphony, glorifying God with
their laughter, love, and labor. Together they tended to the
garden and stewarded the new world. Creator and Creation were
in perfect harmony, perfect shalom. Adam and Eve enjoyed the
(02:33):
loving embrace of their God and the purpose that came
with being stewards over his creation. But what is love
without choice? What is a relationship without free will? In
his divine love, God gave his image bears a choice.
In the midst of the garden was a tree. Its
leaves were bright and vibrant, and its fruit hung low
(02:54):
at eye level. The tree represented a choice. Mankind could
avoid the tree's fruit and continued to enjoy a life
unified with God, or they could eat the fruit and
be given the potential for evil. Their hearts would be
corrupted with the knowledge of good and evil, light and darkness.
To eat of the tree would be to choose their
(03:15):
own will over God's. Adam and Eve knew this. They
had been warned of its danger and knew it would
unravel them. In the shadow of the tree lurked another creature.
His claws dug into the bark as his scaly body
wrapped around its trunk. His scales were arrayed with beautiful
colors of blue, gold, and red. As Adam and Eve
(03:38):
walked the pat of the tree, the serpent's eyes opened
and reflected the morning light. The creature's body tightened around
the tree, and a crooked smile appeared on the sides
of its head. Calm close, the serpent whispered from underneath
the tree. Eve was the first to stop as Adam
(03:58):
continued to walk up the She looked back at the tree.
Speaker 3 (04:02):
And looked closely. Who's there, she asked pensively.
Speaker 2 (04:06):
The serpent's long body slithered up the trunk of the tree,
and his neck poked.
Speaker 3 (04:10):
Out from the leaves.
Speaker 4 (04:11):
Close Eve, he hissed again, I have a question for you.
Speaker 2 (04:20):
Eve was intrigued by the serpent's brilliant colors. She stepped
closer to him and looked up at his sparkling yellow eyes.
The serpent smiled and met eve eye do.
Speaker 5 (04:30):
Why did God really say you shall not eat of
any tree in the.
Speaker 3 (04:37):
Garden, he asked.
Speaker 5 (04:38):
That seems rather cool, a.
Speaker 6 (04:43):
Stant God has told us we can eat any.
Speaker 7 (04:46):
Fruit in the garden. She replied, Only we can't eat
of this tree, nor shall we touch it lest we die.
Speaker 2 (04:53):
Eve's memory had failed her, for God said nothing of
touching it. Already her interaction with the ser was throwing
her off course. Nonsense, He said, with a smile, you
will not die.
Speaker 5 (05:09):
God knows that when you eat this fruit, you will
be like him. He does and want you to be
powerful like he is. He doesn't want you in control.
Speaker 6 (05:29):
He doesn't want me to be powerful.
Speaker 2 (05:31):
Eve whispered, her brow furrowed and her lips pursed. She
was unsure of what she was hearing.
Speaker 8 (05:38):
If I eat this, will I be like God?
Speaker 3 (05:40):
She asked the serpent. Yes, he lied.
Speaker 5 (05:45):
All knowledge of good and evil.
Speaker 3 (05:50):
You will be just like him.
Speaker 2 (05:54):
The serpent retreated back into the shadow of the tree.
When he saw Adam approaching down the path, he saw
his wife at eye level with the fruit, reaching out
to it. What are you doing, Adam asked. Eve looked
back to her husband, then back at the fruit. Her
heart had already committed to the act. The temptation was
too strong. She reached her hand to the fruit and
(06:16):
plucked it off the branch. Adam did nothing to stop her.
He simply watched in curiosity. She felt the fruit in
her hand and saw that it was fine to eat.
She placed it on her lips and took about. The
fruit's juice dripped from her lips to her chin. The
serpent remained in the shadows. Pleased that his lies had worked,
(06:36):
Eve turned to Adam and placed the fruit in his hands.
Speaker 6 (06:40):
If we eat it, we will be like God.
Speaker 2 (06:43):
She said, with an excited grin. Adam took the fruit
from his wife's hand and pondered. Like Gode, he whispered
to himself, Adam the one who God formed from the
dust of the earth, and gave his spirit to joined
Eve and eating the fruit. In doing so, Adam and
Eve gave into the great lie that they could be
(07:04):
like God. They believed they could be the masters of
their own fate and rulers of their own lives. They
had set in motion an unbreakable chain of events that
would tear the very fabric of creation. As they ate
of the fruit, shame crept into their hearts. The souls
of men and women would be corrupted for generations to come,
(07:26):
giving into the temptation towards Godhood. Even the bravest souls
would believe the lie that they can be like God.
The serpent crawled away, believing that he had won, but
he hadn't. A greater hero would come and vanquish the
sin caused by Adam and Eve. He would crush the
serpent's head. Chapter twenty four, Lust and Murder. The light
(07:54):
spring sun rested in the middle of the sky over Jerusalem.
Its mild rays were uninterrupted by clouds and a beautiful
spring breeze carried in the scent of newly bloomed flowers.
David lay on a small bed of cushions in the
sun on the balcony of his roof, soaking in the
warmth of the day. The sun warmed his skin and
(08:14):
the slight coolness of the breeze kept him from overheating.
David was half asleep, enjoying a perfectly peaceful afternoon and
resting his bones after a long battle. After his conquest
of the Syrians, David returned home to rest and enjoy
a break from the chaos of war. However, the Ammonites
were still a threat to Israel. King Hanoon and his
(08:36):
army were preparing their next attack, so David sent Joe
ab Abeshi and Uriah to fight on his behalf. There
were good reports back from Rabah. Apparently they had subdued
the armies encamped on the borders and were close to
ravaging Ammon. Although it was his duty as king to
be present in battle, David thought he had earned a break.
(08:57):
He stretched his weary body out on the pillows and yawned.
This was the first pause he had given himself since
becoming king. Up until then, he had been consumed with
battles and trade agreements. He lounged in the sun and
sipped on a cup of wine, allowing lethargy to set in.
He stood to his feet and balanced himself on the railing.
(09:18):
He closed his eyes and drew in the sweet spring air.
His head was foggy and his mind was indolent from
all his napping. The king perused the city below, sipping
on his wine and smiling at the people below. David's
mind wandered as he looked out of the city. He
did not think of his men at war, nor did
he consider the victory God had just given him. He
(09:40):
was content to simply look out and forget he was king.
He turned his cheek to the sun and stretched out
his arms. Another lethargic yawn exhaled from his mouth, and
just as he was about to retreat back into his home,
something caught his eye. A woman was bathing in a
tub on her roof, also enjoying the warmth the sun
on her skin. David did not look away. He leaned
(10:04):
even further over the railing and took in the view.
She was breathtakingly beautiful. David's slightly ineborated mind did not
think twice about staring to him. She was an actress
in a play, and he was her single audience member.
Chills rose up David's back, and he felt the subtle
cues of lust making a home in his heart. Although
(10:27):
David had his pick of women, and more wives than
one man should have, he felt drawn to her. Perhaps
it was because she wasn't his and he wanted what
he couldn't have. Perhaps it was because he felt he
deserved a gift after having been so faithful. Whatever the
thought was, it possessed David to near madness. He grew
(10:47):
anxious with desire and could not remove the woman from
his gaze. Every single movement of hers enraptured him. Finally,
the woman was finished bathing. She wrapped herself up and
descended back in were home. The play was over, but
David was hoping for a second act. I must have her,
David whispered to himself, She must be mine. He turned
(11:11):
back and beckoned his servant to come near. He gestured
to the home where the woman was. I need to
know who lives in at home. Find out for me
and come back with haste. The servant did as he
was told. He left the house of David and went
to investigate. David laid back down on the pillows and
looked up into the sky. Such beauty, he sighed to himself,
(11:35):
Such beauty. David closed his eyes and soaked in moore.
The sunlight and the breeze gently hummed him to sleep.
My Lord David woke up to a servant standing over him.
Speaker 9 (11:47):
My Lord, I have returned with news.
Speaker 2 (11:49):
The king rubbed his eyes and looked up. The sun
had begun its descent and the warmness of the day
was barely lingering in the air. The servant continued, saying.
Speaker 9 (12:00):
Any one currently in the home is Bathsheba, the wife
of Ariah. The heat tight one of your mighty men.
He is away with Joab, so she is alone.
Speaker 2 (12:08):
David nodded and held back an excited smile. He was
silent for a moment, considering what he was about to do.
On the surface, it seemed like just one decision. However,
up until now, David had a pattern of recklessness in
his romantic relationships. He acquired many wives and concubines without
consideration of what it would do to his heart and theirs.
(12:30):
This one moment was the climax of a thousand small compromises.
David looked up at a servant and said, bring her
to me. The servant said nothing. He simply bowed his
head and left. David stood up, straightened out his royal robes,
and went down to his bed chambers to prepare the
light of the beautiful spring. Sky slowly dissolved into darkness,
(12:54):
and the moon appeared in full brightness. David did not
look up at the sky, as he often did. He
did not want to look up, for then he would
be forced to think of his God, the author of
his faith and convictions. Instead, he settled his gaze upon
the fireplace. The intense heat radiated into the rest of
the room. David's lust burned in his heart like the
(13:16):
heat of the flames. The burning passion made him drunk.
He did not notice the coals falling outside the fireplace.
The hot coal simmered until finally dying outside the flames,
David paid no attention. He heard a knock at the door.
The large double door built of cedar and iron opened slowly.
(13:36):
The light emanating from the flames illuminated the room just
enough for him to see her. She wore a linen
dress that fell straight over her curves. Her brown, wavy
hair was laying over her shoulders. He watched every move
of her hips as she walked forward, back and forth.
They went like a pendulum, keeping David's full and undivided attention.
(13:57):
There was a silence for a short while as they
stood there and stared at one another. Bathsheba was clearly nervous,
unwilling to meet David's objectifying eye. She directed her attention
to the tapestries mounted on David's walls. They were beautifully woven,
telling stories through images. The king cleared his throat and
(14:17):
broke the silence. They were woven by an Egyptian needleworker,
he said, gesturing to the tapestries, a gift from the Pharaoh.
Bathsheba smiled and continued to peruse David's room. She looked
at the sword mounted above his fireplace.
Speaker 3 (14:34):
Is this it? She asked?
Speaker 6 (14:36):
Is this the sword of Goliath?
Speaker 3 (14:38):
It is?
Speaker 2 (14:39):
David replied. Bathsheba remained silent, uncomfortable and intimidated by the king.
She knew there would be no option out. She was
caught in an undefined space between honored guest and prisoner.
He stepped forward, and she stepped to the side and
kept looking around the room. David smirked. It was like
(15:00):
a mating dance. David took two steps forward, then she
took another step forward, then two away from him. The
dance was exhilarating to David. Finally, they both found themselves
at the foot of the bed. She was within reach,
yet David waited for the perfect moment. He stood there
with heavy breath, waiting for Bathsheba to give him a signal.
(15:23):
She didn't, but David was determined to find anything to
give him license to take her. Her hazel eyes shimmered
in the firelight. They were wide and bright, yet behind
them was a sense of mystery. David wanted to explore
that mystery. He wanted to take all of her in.
(15:43):
Bathsheba turned away for a moment.
Speaker 3 (15:45):
I should not be here, she whispered.
Speaker 2 (15:48):
David took his hand and gently placed it on her chin,
directing her face back at his. As the flickering flame
continued to burn, David leaned in and kissed her. David
wrapped his arms around Bathsheba and kissed her passionately. The
two of them were caught up in a passionate and
sinful affair, but David did not care in the moment.
(16:10):
As the night drew on and their naked bodies wrapped
around one another, David willingly compromised his integrity in the
heat of passion. He did not think of his family.
In the forbidden pleasure, David enjoyed every second of his sin.
He felt invisible, untouchable, and immune to the effects of
his actions. He was gravely mistaken. Weeks passed, and David
(16:38):
did his best to remove the night of sin from
his mind, but he could not. He thought about Bathsheba
more and more as the days rolled on. He did
not think of how he loved her or cared for her.
He simply loved the pleasure she brought him. It was
a low point for God's anointed. After his midnight escapade
with Bathsheba, David continued to shirk his responsibilities as king.
(17:00):
The battle against the Ammonite still raged, and joe Ab
and his men continued their fight, but the king remained
at home. David rationalized his absence with matters of domestic need.
He met with the treasury and storehouse managers. He convened
with the judges and priests in the land. Yet he
did not do the primary thing he was called to
do as a king, protect and fight. Instead, he was
(17:25):
content to spend a few hours a day working and
the rest of the day lazily lounging in the sun.
He spent more time with the king's harem than usual,
desperately trying to relive the exhilaration of his affair, But
the pleasure escaped him. There was a lingering emptiness he
could not seem to fill. A void was created in
him the night of his affair, and he was woefully
(17:47):
unaware of.
Speaker 3 (17:48):
How to fill it.
Speaker 2 (17:49):
David looked out on the top of his roof again.
He did not look at the stars. He did not
bask in the majesty of the heavens and sing songs
like he usually did. No Dad, He looked down down
at the city, down at the streets of Jerusalem, and
down at the home of Bathsheba. He wondered if he
should beckon her again. Surely she would not refuse him.
(18:13):
David stood to his feet and smiled. He descended down
the ladder back into his bedroom. He gestured to his
servant and said.
Speaker 6 (18:20):
Bring me Bathsheba. Again, tell her I desire to speak
with her.
Speaker 2 (18:25):
The servant paused and gave a nervous stir. He twiddled
his thumbs and looked away, considering what he should say next.
My Lord, he mumbled, I.
Speaker 9 (18:34):
Have been given word that Bathsheba desires to speak with you.
She has requested that she come immediately.
Speaker 2 (18:41):
Excellent news, David exclaimed.
Speaker 6 (18:43):
Then bring her to me. I shall prepare, and, as always,
tell no one of this.
Speaker 2 (18:50):
The servant knew what David did not. However, he thought
it best for the king to be told by Bathsheba.
So he sent for her, and in the secrecy of night,
the young woman was brought into his chambers. David ran
his hands through his curls and smiled. You looked radiant,
he said, softly, reaching to grab her hand. However, she
(19:10):
pulled away and looked at him with fearful eyes. What
is wrong, David asked, my king.
Speaker 6 (19:17):
I I am.
Speaker 2 (19:19):
Pregnant, Bathsheba said, with a broken voice. Tears welled up
in her eyes, and she began to weep. David stepped
back and leaned against the table. His heart began to
pound heavily, and for the first time in weeks, he
felt completely sober. Are you sure, David asked desperately. Could
it be Uriah's Bathsheba looked at David angrily.
Speaker 9 (19:42):
Of course it is yours. My husband has been fighting
on your behalf against the Ammonites.
Speaker 10 (19:47):
I have not seen him in months.
Speaker 9 (19:51):
Now look at the mess you have created.
Speaker 3 (19:54):
She was right.
Speaker 2 (19:55):
David took advantage of a lonely woman without her husband.
He used his che arm and status to lure her in,
and now he found himself in an irreversible mess. Now
would normally be the time when David leaned on the
wisdom of God and repented. However, he had already created
a habit of leaning on his own desires. He ignored
his initial instinct to pray, and instead frantically reassured Bathsheba
(20:20):
that he would handle everything. Do not worry, my dear,
David said nervously. I shall make this right. You will
not be cast aside, and all will be well again.
He kissed her on the forehead and had her sent
back home to rest. The king sat down at his
table and pulled at his hair. He called in his
servant and said.
Speaker 6 (20:39):
Sind word to Joab, I need Uriah to be taken
from battle and brought back to me.
Speaker 3 (20:46):
He said.
Speaker 2 (20:47):
The servant bowed his head and did as he was told.
The battle was grueling and seemed to drag on for
an eternity. The spring rains came early, and the valley
where the battle took place was soaking and muddy. Joe
Ab and the Army of Israel were able to breach
the enemy lines, but the weather inhibited them from taking
(21:08):
hold of the city. Rain descended like arrows on them,
and the wind howled with ferocity. Joe Ab, Abishai, Joshubin,
and Uriah were huddled in a tent strategizing their next attack.
Speaker 8 (21:21):
Perhaps we can take the battle elsewhere.
Speaker 3 (21:23):
Abishai said, there's.
Speaker 8 (21:24):
No point in trudging through this mud any longer.
Speaker 2 (21:26):
Joe Ab agreed. His men were growing weary, and the
enemy was securely entrenched in the city. They were able
to recover with food and shelter. However, the army of
Israel dwindled in strength day by day.
Speaker 7 (21:38):
If we marched to the forest on the west of
the rob perhaps we will have a better chance, joe
Ab said, do we have the strength?
Speaker 3 (21:46):
Joshab be masked.
Speaker 10 (21:47):
We have successfully weakened Amen. Would it not be wise
to retreat, regain our strength, then finished them off. At
another time.
Speaker 7 (21:55):
We must finish what we have started.
Speaker 3 (21:58):
Uriah said.
Speaker 7 (21:59):
The integrity of our nation is at stake. They shamed
our king and continue to mock us. I for one
desire to press forward.
Speaker 2 (22:07):
Uriah was known as the kindest of the mighty men.
He was a man of honor, integrity, and strength. No
one quarreled with Uriah. They elevated him and trusted his thoughts.
The rest of the men nodded and directed their attention
back to the map. Very well, joe Ab said.
Speaker 7 (22:24):
If we are to press forward, we need to find
better ground to finish them off. I still think our
best chance is on the western front.
Speaker 6 (22:31):
We would be.
Speaker 7 (22:31):
Especially successful if David would send us reinforcements in the
next week.
Speaker 8 (22:35):
Have you heard anything from the king regarding reinforcements.
Speaker 7 (22:39):
I have sent word, but still no reply. It's not
like the king to ignore these things, joe Ab said.
Speaker 10 (22:44):
It is not like him to not be here with
us in the mud and dirt.
Speaker 2 (22:48):
Joshabeam added, as the men continued to strategize, a messenger
from Jerusalem entered the tent.
Speaker 9 (22:55):
Joeb, I have a request from the king to send
Uriah the heat type back to Jerusalem. He wishes to
speak with him.
Speaker 2 (23:01):
All eyes were on Uriah. It was an odd request,
and Uriah shrugged in ignorance.
Speaker 7 (23:06):
Do you know why I have been summoned?
Speaker 9 (23:09):
Uriah asked, He wishes to hear about the battle in
greater detail.
Speaker 2 (23:12):
The messenger replied, I have been told times of the essence.
Speaker 7 (23:16):
Uriah, you must implore the king to send us more men.
Speaker 3 (23:20):
Joe Ab said, the rain and.
Speaker 7 (23:21):
Wind has made everything a struggle, and we need fresh
legs if we are to push forward and end this battle.
Speaker 2 (23:26):
Uriah nodded and gathered his belongings. He mounted his horse
and rode with the messenger back to Jerusalem. The king
sat on his throne, listening to the elders give reports
on their tribes. He took note of the small disputes,
glaring needs, and successful growth. David was always adept at
listening to the elders and considering the wisdom they had
(23:47):
to offer regarding the kingdom. It was a trait that
he hoped to pass down to his son Absalom, heir
to the throne. Yet today David's mind was elsewhere. He
was thinking about his new child and Bathsheba's womb. He
was anxious and nervously awaited the arrival of Uriah. After
the elders departed, the doors opened up and the messenger
(24:08):
walked in with Uriah. His hair was dirty and soaked,
his armor was stained red and caked with mud. David's
heart beat profoundly at the sight of him. Euriah was
a loyal friend, one of his mighty men that followed
him in the wilderness. Yet the desire to cover up
his sin was greater than his conviction, and it took
David no time at all to begin his lies.
Speaker 6 (24:30):
Uriah, I am glad you have come. He stepped down
and embraced him. You must be weary from your travels.
Go and wash yourself and greet your wife. When you
have bathed and embraced her, we shall talk about the battle.
Uriah pursed his lips and shook his head with.
Speaker 7 (24:49):
All due respect, My king, I would like to update
you on the battle and request reinforcements. Then I would
like to return to the men they need me.
Speaker 2 (24:58):
David winced at euryse noble heart. Pangs of conviction began
to bubble up, but he ignored them. He would not
admit his fault he needed to continue in his manipulation.
I admire your spirit, David replied, However, I have much
to do before tomorrow. Let us convene tomorrow. Go home,
enjoy a warm bed with your wife, and we shall
(25:22):
speak tomorrow. The king left the throne room, hoping your
Eye would go home to Bathsheba. No doubt Bathsheba would
know to take your Rye into the bed. That way,
Rye would think the child within.
Speaker 3 (25:33):
Her was his.
Speaker 2 (25:35):
However, your Ryah did not do what he was told.
He waited outside the king's house and rested his head
against the stone walls. He closed his eyes and breathed
in the spring air. It had been a long time
since he had the sun shine on his face. Ammon
had been covered by clouds for over a week. Your
Eye's weary bones relaxed outside, and he fell asleep near
(25:56):
the steps. David was up all night ansios, pacing back
and forth near the fire. He would be more comfortable
knowing Euriah was with Bathsheba. However, until he had confirmation,
he continued to nervously walk in circles. In all the
anxiety and waiting, it did not occur to him to
seek the Lord. The shame in his heart kept him
(26:17):
from approaching his God. Instead of confessing and bringing his
sin to the altar of the Lord, he buried his
shame and sought to cover up his sin. After a
sleepless night in his room, he rose up at sunrise
to walk the garden. The morning fog was thick, and
a dark figure sat in the front of his home.
To David's dismay, it was euriahs sleeping on the floor.
Speaker 3 (26:39):
Uriah.
Speaker 6 (26:40):
David shouted, startling him, awake, What are you doing here?
Why have you not gone home to your wife? You
had a long journey. Why would you not allow yourself
to rest? Euriah stood at attention. He was shorter than David,
yet somehow seemed a hundred feet taller.
Speaker 7 (26:57):
The ark of the Covenant dwells in a tent. Joe
Ab and the others are camping in the mud with
arrows being fired at them. For me to eat, drink
and lie with my wife would be a disgrace. How
could I live with myself knowing that they are cold
and vulnerable? Well, I am warm and full.
Speaker 2 (27:18):
David was growing irritated with Euriah's righteousness. It vexed him
to be in the presence of someone so devoted it
made his own shortcomings all the more real. He forced
a smile and placed a hand on your RYA's shoulder.
Speaker 6 (27:32):
What a blessing it is to have you as a
brother in arms. Uriah, Come, let us eat and discuss
the war. You shall stay with me today and I
shall send you back tomorrow.
Speaker 2 (27:45):
The two of them entered the courtroom and spoke about
the war. How are the men faring, David asked, gritting
his teeth suffering. Euriah said, we were able.
Speaker 7 (27:55):
To overpower their army on the battlefield, but complications with
the weather have kept us from a dancing forward. They
are fortified in the city while we are rotting away
in the cold.
Speaker 6 (28:05):
Is there no way to proceed? Surely we outnumber them,
David said.
Speaker 7 (28:11):
Yes, but terrain inhibits us greatly. There is a plan
to attack from the west, but our chances would be
greater if we had reinforcements.
Speaker 6 (28:18):
I am not sure I can spare more men, David
said frankly. We have sent many to the battle, and
if we sin more we leave our borders vulnerable.
Speaker 7 (28:27):
I understand, my king, However, this could be over quickly
if we had just a few hundred extra men.
Speaker 2 (28:33):
David paused and considered what Yourriyah was saying. Over quickly,
he said in a whisper. Darkness was slithering into David's heart.
Speaker 6 (28:42):
Yes, I do desire for this to be over quickly,
he said, in a stern voice. You will have your reinforcements.
Riyah rest assured you have convinced me. Now come have
a drink with me, and we shall send you off proper.
Speaker 7 (29:00):
I couldn't Lord not while the other men, I insist.
Speaker 6 (29:04):
David interrupted, You are an old friend and a loyal soldier.
I would very much like to enjoy your company before
sending you off. The more rested you are, the better
off you will be in battle. Now, drink and eat.
Speaker 2 (29:20):
So Uryah did as the king asked. David had meats,
cheeses and wine brought in. He told the servants to
always keep Eurya's cup full. To the best of David's ability,
he tried to get the man drunk. More wine for
my friend, he ordered, with a laugh, Come drink up
and enjoy this last night. So Uriah continued to drink.
(29:43):
As soon as the man was sufficiently drunk, David leaned
over and said.
Speaker 6 (29:48):
You must miss your wife dearly you. Yah, she is beautiful.
Speaker 2 (29:54):
Oh yes, Euryah said, with a sleepy slur, she.
Speaker 7 (29:57):
Is the love of my life, a cool spring in
a desolate desert.
Speaker 2 (30:03):
His poetic description of his wife did not help with
David's guilt.
Speaker 6 (30:07):
Go home, Uriah, embrace her as her husband. No doubt
you are anxious to bid her.
Speaker 2 (30:14):
Again, David said, however, you're Riah, even while ineberated, shook
his head.
Speaker 7 (30:20):
I will not, he said, she is a delicacy. If
I bed her while my comrades lye in the dirt,
What kind of man am I? Why should I bathe
in gold when they bathe in filth? Now I shall
sleep here and then leave.
Speaker 3 (30:38):
In the morning.
Speaker 2 (30:39):
Uriah stumbled up onto his feet, knocking over his cup
in the process. He stated himself and focused. After composing himself,
he waddled over to a nearby lounging area and fell
face first into the cushions. David walked over and tried
to shake him awake, but he was fast asleep. The
king was frustrated at the situation he found himself in.
(31:03):
Uriah would not sleep with his wife in time to
cover up their affair. David found himself at a crossroads.
He could either give up the charade and confess, or
continue to get tangled in the web of lies he
had spun. Furious, David began to storm off, knocking over
the iron.
Speaker 6 (31:19):
Coat pullet Sir.
Speaker 2 (31:21):
They spilled onto the floor away from the fire. One
of them burned his foot. He yelled and cursed, clean
this up. The Chosen King of God was losing the battle.
Sin had a hold of him like a predator, and
it was sinking its teeth deeper into his neck. David
stormed out, nearly breaking the wooden door. He clenched his
(31:42):
fists and tensed his whole body. He had so much
rage boiling up in him. All Uriah had to do
was sleep with his wife. David found it effortless to
sleep with Bathsheba, but Uriah was able to maintain his conviction.
Why did Uriah have to make things difficult?
Speaker 3 (32:00):
Ah?
Speaker 2 (32:01):
David screamed into the dark night. He took a stone
from the floor and threw it at the fence near
the garden. He punched at the air and screamed into
the voy. What am I going to do? He thought
to himself. He has ruined everything, David was unable to
see that Uriah had done nothing wrong. It was he
who got himself into this situation. He paused his clamoring
(32:23):
for a moment and drew a deep breath. He closed
his eyes and thought about his options. Then an idea
came to him. In all his years, he had never
considered something so hideous and sinful, yet he had already
trained his mind to ignore the voice of God. Without
a second thought, David re entered his home and began
(32:43):
to write a message to Joab Joe Ab.
Speaker 6 (32:46):
It has come to my attention that the front lines
are in need of more soldiers after Uriah's visit. I
have decided to send you reinforcements. However, I am also
requesting something from you. It is a matter of great
importance and will require your secrecy. As my commander and
right hand set Uriah at the forefront of the harshest
(33:09):
parts of the battlefield when he marches, in order the
other soldiers to delay before following him. I need Uriah
to fall from the battlefield. Considering my forgiveness of your
crimes against Abner, I trust that you will obey me
without question. King David.
Speaker 2 (33:31):
David sealed the letter with his royal emblem and had
his messenger leave immediately to Joab. He sat back in
his seat, contemplating what he had just done. He had
set in motion something that could not be Undone tomorrow
Urai would leave to fight, and he would never return again.
Nothing would ever be the same. The army of Israel
(33:53):
marched behind Joab to besiege the city. They marched from
the west, where the terrain was easier to traverse. The
Ammonite army was postured in front of the city ready
to defend it. They were wrapped around the walls, covering
every entrance. In order to get within the city borders,
they needed to fight through them. Joab looked out at
(34:13):
the vast army inside. He gripped the letter from the
king in his hands and crumbled it in his fist.
He was grieved at what he was about to do.
Abhshi was on his right and Uriah was on his left.
He gestured to the two of them, saying.
Speaker 7 (34:28):
Abishai, you will lead a group straight on into the fray. Uriyah,
you and I will lead a smaller band of men
around the perimeter.
Speaker 2 (34:35):
Both of them nodded, and the battle was under way.
Abshi led the charge directly in front of the gates.
The two armies clashed and began to battle. Joe Ab
and Yuryah led a group of a hundred men around
the perimeter to pick off the city guard. Joab knew
that there were archers at the top of the walls.
It happened quickly. Uriah ran around the corner of the
(34:57):
wall and immediately saw a shower of arrows fall from above.
All Joab could hear was the clamoring of guards and
the sudden scream of Uriah. Tears streamed down his face,
and he called for his men to turn the corner
and fight. Joab fought with rage, anguish, and heartbreak. Uriah
was beloved and an honorable man. He did not know
(35:20):
why he deserves such a fate.
Speaker 6 (35:22):
The blood of Uriah is on David's hands, not mine,
he thought to himself.
Speaker 9 (35:31):
The men gained advantage over our army, but we managed
to drive them back all the way to the edges
of the gates.
Speaker 3 (35:36):
The messenger told David.
Speaker 9 (35:37):
Joab is confident that another attack will finally allow them
to breach the city.
Speaker 3 (35:41):
King. David nodded and looked up.
Speaker 6 (35:44):
Were there many who were lost.
Speaker 9 (35:45):
He asked, yes, my king, According to Joab, they had
many archers set on the walls, many soldiers were dead.
Speaker 3 (35:54):
Any of note, David asked.
Speaker 9 (35:56):
Just one, my king, one of your mighty men he
has followed.
Speaker 2 (36:04):
David feigned shocked and stood to his feet. It was
a terrible performance, but the messenger fell for it. He
put a hand over his forehead.
Speaker 6 (36:12):
Inside a tragedy, he said, Tell Joab to not let
this matter discourage him. The sword devours one person now
and then another. Tell him to strengthen his attack against
the city. I shall send even more men. Encourage him
and tell him well done.
Speaker 2 (36:33):
The messenger bowed his head and departed. When the door closed,
David released his breath. He panted heavily and fell on
to his knees. Uriah was dead, and he killed him.
Word was sent to Bathsheba that Uriah had been killed
in battle. Her lament was great. She knew that David
had a hand in it. The guilt of her affair
(36:56):
and the sorrow of her loss was almost too much
to bear. She shot herself out for days, not allowing
anyone to enter her chambers. At night, she cried herself
to sleep, unable to bear the immeasurable guilt. Her sorrow
was David's doing, since he had been unable to control himself. Yet,
even in her mourning, she knew that time was of
(37:17):
the essence. Euriah's death would be meaningless unless her and
David were married. Once the period of mourning was over,
and before Bathsheba began to show signs of pregnancy, David
sent for her. She took off her veil of mourning
and exchanged it for a wedding veil. She was carried
out gently on a wedding seat lifted high in the air.
(37:37):
The entire city watched as she passed, whispering and wondering
who she was to have won the affections of the king.
She was brought to the king's house. Attending the wedding
were a few of David's mighty men, Shama Eliezar Benaya,
Joe ab Abeshi, and Joshubin. Also in attendance was Nathan
the Prophet. He remained in the back of the court,
(38:00):
leaning against the fountain. He watched as David held his
bride's hand and looked her in the eyes. He watched
his eyes drift from her face down to her belly.
It was at that moment Nathan felt the prompting of
God's voice. The anger of God was awakened, and Nathan
feared the worst for the young king. It was early
in the morning, and David arose before the sunrise to
(38:23):
walk the garden. He rolled out of his bed and
looked at his new bride beside him. It all seemed
much more empty and pointless now. The anxiety of covering
up their affair had left them exhausted. David had a
disquieted soul, but he did not know it. The radical
self reflection he once had was gone. His conscience was
(38:44):
like an unsharpened blade, rusty and dull. He had spent
so much time quieting the voice of God's spirit within
him that it was nearly impossible for him to feel
guilty anymore. He wrapped himself in his royal robes and
left the house to stroll among the garden. The mild
spring air was slowly giving way to the heat of summer.
David could sense it would be a warm day. He
(39:07):
walked the gardens, humming an old tune and listening to
the birds. Then, almost out of nowhere, Nathan the prophet appeared.
Speaker 6 (39:15):
Ah ah, Nathan, you startled.
Speaker 2 (39:18):
Me, the king said with laughter. He placed a hand
on his shoulder and smiled.
Speaker 6 (39:22):
It was great to see you at the wedding bath.
Sheba and I were pleased to have you there.
Speaker 2 (39:28):
Nathan nodded and forced a smile.
Speaker 6 (39:30):
I wouldn't have missed it, my son. However, I wish
I could carry all in the celebration, but alas I cannot.
I have heard disturbing news. But what troubles you, David
asked ignorantly. The old man gestured for the king to
sit down. The two of them sat beside one another,
(39:50):
sulking in the new rays of the morning. Nathan sighed
and said, there were two men who lived in the same.
Speaker 3 (39:57):
Village he began.
Speaker 6 (39:59):
One of them was very rich, the other was very poor.
The rich man had many flocks of sheep, goats and
herds of oxen, but the poor man had nothing but
one single little lamb. He had bought this lamb with
money he had saved for quite some time. He nursed
(40:21):
the lamb, bathed it, and nurtured it. In fact, the
little lamb would even sleep with his children at night.
The lamb was like a daughter to this poor man.
Speaker 2 (40:34):
Nathan smiled and looked at David. The King was clearly
enjoying the story thus far, and Nathan knew he had
his attention. Nathan frowned and said.
Speaker 6 (40:43):
However, something disturbing happened to that poor man. One day
a traveler came to visit the rich man. Now, the
rich man wanted to feed his guest, but he did
not want to prepare any of his own animals. So
in the middle of the night, the rich man went
into the poor man's home and stole the little lamb.
(41:07):
He killed it and prepared it to feed his guest,
and the poor man was left with nothing.
Speaker 2 (41:16):
David was utterly distraught at the news. What he exclaimed,
who is this man? As the Lord lives, the man
who has done this deserves to die. I will restore
the lamb forefold to the poor man. What eager, maniacal
monster would do such a thing. Nathan stood to his
feet and held out a finger to the king. His
(41:36):
eyes were filled with righteous indignation. The old prophet boomed
his voice downward towards the king.
Speaker 6 (41:43):
You are that man, King, David.
Speaker 2 (41:46):
Nathan's voice carried and echoed across the garden. It sent
chills down David's spine.
Speaker 3 (41:51):
What do you mean, David asked.
Speaker 6 (41:54):
Thus says the Lord, the God of Israel and the
God of Justice. I anointed you king over the nation,
and I delivered you from the wrath of Saul. I
gave you a grand home, wives, and the entire house
of Israel and Judah. And if this were too little,
I have also added victories and conquests to you. Why then,
(42:16):
have you despised my word and done what is evil?
You have struck down Youriah the Hittite, a child of Israel,
had taken his wife.
Speaker 2 (42:28):
David was shaken to his core. Nathan spoke with the
authority of God. He could feel the Lord's anger bubbling
over Lord.
Speaker 6 (42:36):
He murmured, Ah, I just hear the word of the Lord,
giant slayer.
Speaker 2 (42:42):
Nathan interrupted, Behold.
Speaker 6 (42:45):
The sword shall never depart from your house because of
the violence you enacted against your Ayah. Violence will plague
your household, and strife will come upon you. I will
raise up evil against you out of your own home.
Your wives will scorn you, take on of the lovers,
(43:05):
and they will do so publicly and in the sun.
For you did it secretly. But I will punish you
before all Israel and for the world to see.
Speaker 2 (43:17):
David fell on to his knees. He wept at the
feet of Nathan.
Speaker 6 (43:21):
Ah, I have sinned, Lord, he whimpered, I have no excuse.
Speaker 2 (43:26):
Nathan knelt down and touched David on the shoulder. He
spoke in a gentle voice, saying.
Speaker 6 (43:32):
The Lord will forgive you my king. You will not die,
and your kingdom shall remain. Nevertheless, because of all the
strife and chaos this is caused, the child who is
born to you, out of sin, shall die.
Speaker 2 (43:51):
David darted his eyes up to Nathan. He shook his
head in disbelief, but Nathan had nothing left to say.
He rose and went back to his house, leaving David
in emotional and spiritual disarray.
Speaker 3 (44:04):
What have I done?
Speaker 2 (44:05):
David whispered to himself. He looked up at the sky
for the first time in weeks.
Speaker 6 (44:10):
Where have I gone?
Speaker 2 (44:11):
It was as if a fog was cleared from David's
head and he was finally able to see what he
had gotten himself caught up in. He placed his face
in his hands and.
Speaker 6 (44:20):
Wept, Who have I become?
Speaker 2 (44:25):
Weeks turned into months, and David trudged around Jerusalem in
the melancholy days. As Bathsheba's belly grew larger, so did
David's dread. He placed his hand on her pregnant belly
and held his head to it.
Speaker 3 (44:39):
Oh little, he whispered.
Speaker 6 (44:41):
Oh, how I pray the Lord does not follow through
with his word.
Speaker 2 (44:46):
Tears streamed down his cheeks, and Bethsheba held his head close.
Both of them wept, for they knew it was only
a matter of time before their sins finally caught.
Speaker 3 (44:55):
Up to them.
Speaker 2 (44:57):
Only days after her ninth month of Pregnancythsheba went into labor.
It was a long and painful berth, drawing out for hours.
David paced outside the room where Bathsheba and the nurse
maids labored. He listened to her shrieks of agony echoed
down the halls. He leaned his back against the walls
and slid down onto the floor, covering his ears in shame.
(45:20):
Keep them safe, he prayed, please. However, the painful screams
continued until finally, in the sixteenth hour they ceased. David
darted into the room to find Bathsheba lying down with
her baby wrapped in her arms. It was a boy,
a beautiful baby. Boy with light ruddy hair like his father.
(45:41):
David knelt down beside his wife and child. He stroked
the baby's cheek. He wasn't crying, he was silent, seeming
to struggle for breath. David and Bathsheba leaned their heads
against one another and wet. They knew the boy didn't
have much time left. Bathsheba nursed her son, and David
stood to his feet. He furrowed his brow and looked
(46:04):
out the window.
Speaker 6 (46:05):
I am going to speak with the Lord, David.
Speaker 3 (46:08):
Said, with a determined tone.
Speaker 6 (46:10):
I have been silent towards him for too long.
Speaker 2 (46:14):
So David left and walked outside. The evening was dry
and crisp. David could see his breath in the coolness
of the air. He removed his royal robes and outstretched
his arms to God. I am here, Lord, he said,
with a cracked voice, you have my attention. David fell
to his knees into the dust. He violently buried his
(46:37):
face into the dirt and moaned to the Lord. He
wrestled to gain connection with God once again. He had
strayed so far from him that he feared reconciliation was impossible.
But God was near. God heard every incoherent and bumbling prayer,
David prostrated before God and would not remove himself from
(46:58):
the dirt all day and night. He lay there, calling
out to God and lamenting his sin.
Speaker 6 (47:04):
Save my child, he shouted, I beg you Lord.
Speaker 2 (47:09):
David remained in the dust for days, refusing to remove himself.
He did not eat. Only occasionally would he drink water.
The rest of the time he was on his face
before God. His body was covered in dust, and below
him was a puddle of mud from the dust mixed
with David's tears. His prayer and fasting were not tools
(47:29):
to get whatever he wanted from God. They were demonstrations
of radical submission and surrender to God's power and will.
David knew he could not deter the direction of God's will.
The elders of his house approached him each day and
stood beside him o a king. They would say, get
up and eat before you perish. However, he would not
(47:50):
be raised from the ground. Though they would try and
rip him away from his place of prayer, David refused.
At night, he endured the biting cold. In the day,
he endured the blistering sun. His entire body shook from
lack of food and exposure to the elements. Then, on
the seventh day, the elders approached him again, Lord David,
(48:11):
They said gently. However, David did not respond. They whispered
among themselves, not sure how to say what they needed
to say.
Speaker 6 (48:19):
Look at him, How are we supposed to tell him
that his son has passed? He might kill himself if
he finds out.
Speaker 2 (48:27):
However, David could hear their whispers. It was early in
the morning, and the sunrise was cresting over the city
like a messenger of joy. The gentle morning breeze caressed
David's cheek and he could once again feel the presence
of God returning to him. He stood to his feet,
knees quivering from lack of movement. The elders rushed to
him to help him up. David stumbled and they caught him.
(48:51):
He was panting and weak from starvation. With a raspy
and frail voice, he asked, is my son dead? They
remained silent, afraid of what David might do. David nodded
and limped back into the palace. He poured himself a
warm basin of water and washed himself from head to toe.
(49:13):
The water was a pleasant bomb to his damaged skin.
He anointed his head with oil. The fragrance filled his lungs,
and he felt clean once again. His servants stood outside
his room, ready to care for him. At a moment's notice.
David opened the door and gave a gentle smile. Would
you please retrieve me some food.
Speaker 3 (49:32):
He asked.
Speaker 2 (49:34):
They did as they were told and brought him some
cured meat, figs, and bread. David ate silently by himself,
filling his belly and thanking the Lord. The servants were
confused by David's behavior. For an entire week, he was
broken and prostrated before the Lord, begging for the child
to be healed. Now he was clean, eating and smiling.
(49:56):
What are you doing, one of the servants asked, you fat.
Speaker 9 (50:00):
Rusted and wept while the child was still alive, and
now that he is dead, you are eating.
Speaker 2 (50:05):
David looked up from his food and considered the question.
He held himself like a man at peace. He shruddened
and said.
Speaker 6 (50:12):
While the child was still alive, I fasted and prayed
for I thought, who knows whether the Lord will be
gracious to me or not. Perhaps the child will live,
But now that he is dead, why should I weep
and fast? Can I bring him back again? One day,
(50:36):
when I passed from this life, I shall see my
baby again, but he will not come back to me
in this life. So I will sit here and regain
my strength. Then I will go to comfort my wife.
Then I will repent and be devoted to the Lord
(50:58):
once again.
Speaker 2 (51:00):
The servants departed, and David stood up and picked up
his lyre. During his seven days in the dust, a
song was put on his heart, a song of pain,
suffering and redemption, a song that would echo into eternity
as an anthem of repentance. He sat down by his
window and plucked the lyre. With his voice still rasping
(51:21):
from days without food, he sang.
Speaker 11 (51:25):
Have mercy on me, o God, according to your unfailing
love for me, according to your abundant mercy, Blot out
my transgressions, Wash me.
Speaker 6 (51:48):
From my tresses, and cleanse me from my against you,
and you will have, I said, my evil is before you.
Speaker 4 (52:11):
Please, O Lord, be pure in your judge, Behold you
delight in truth. In the end, would be you teach
me wisdom in the hidden chambers of my heart.
Speaker 3 (52:36):
Purge me.
Speaker 6 (52:39):
And wash me clear, Wash me wider than snow. Let
me hear a song of gladness from Let these bones
that you have broken, rejoy. Hide your face from my sins,
(53:07):
and bloot out my evil deeds. Create in me clean heart, O.
Speaker 12 (53:18):
God, renew your righteous spirit within me. Do not cast
me out of your presence, and do not take away
your spirit. Restore to me the joy of your salvation,
(53:38):
and uphold me with a willing heart.
Speaker 6 (53:44):
Deliver me, o God, God of my salvation.
Speaker 3 (53:49):
Deliver me.
Speaker 6 (53:52):
My tongue will sing aloud your righteousness. Open up my lips,
and I will declare there your praise. For I know
now that you do not delight in sacrifice, Oh burnt offerings,
the true sacrifices, Oh God, are a bron spear broken,
(54:23):
and contrite heart. Do good to your nation in Zion,
Build up the walls of Jerusalem.
Speaker 2 (54:37):
After David finished his song to the Lord, he looked
over Bathsheba was standing at the doorway, listening. Her eyes
were red from tears. He beckoned her over, and she
sat at his feet. He sang the song again, this
time with his wife beside him. He knew he had
failed her. He knew he may fail her again. However,
(54:59):
he would not depart from the Lord again. He would
not leave his presence and forsake the guidance of his spirit.
The two of them developed love for one another, and
that love bore a new baby boy whose name was Solomon.
And the Lord loved Solomon and would be faithful to
him for all of his days. The tragedy caused by
(55:19):
David was not beyond the redemption of God. Through Solomon,
a temple would be built, and the presence of God
would burst forth from the heart of Jerusalem.
Speaker 3 (55:30):
One day.
Speaker 2 (55:31):
Through his lineage, a new king would be born, a
king that would not fail like David did, a king
that would reign with righteousness, love and compassion, A king
whose strength would topple the greatest enemy of them all,
sin itself. This king would be the greater David. He
would succeed where David could not.
Speaker 1 (55:55):
James, the brother of Jesus, gave us great insight when
he said, no, no one say what he is tempted.
I am being tempted by God. For God cannot be
tempted with evil, and He himself tempts no one. But
each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed
by his own desire. Then Desire when it is conceived,
(56:15):
gives birth to sin, and sin, when it is fully grown,
brings forth death. I think this is a perfect place
for us to begin as we unpack the decisions made
by King David. God did not tempt David, nor was
this a test to prove David's ability to resist temptation.
David was lured and enticed by his own desire. He
(56:37):
had given fuel to his desire ever since becoming king.
He accumulated more wives and grew the king's harem, and
ignored warnings from his subjects. We were warned that something
like this might happen. Desire is like a newly conceived
baby in its mother's wound. After a while, desire grows,
eventually being birthed into what we know as sin. What
(57:00):
does this mean for us and what did it mean
for David? It means that oftentimes the sins we commit
are an accumulation of thoughts and desires that have grown
over time. David had made small compromises in his family
that made this decision easier. He increased his harem and
accumulated more wives, diluting his judgment. When it came to lust,
(57:24):
he had also allowed himself to stay back and enjoy
creature comforts while his men suffered. These decisions alone set
David up for failure. Just like even the prelude. It
seemed like their hearts were committed to sin before they
ever acted. This episode provided commentary on David's decision. It said,
(57:45):
on the surface, it seemed like just one decision. However,
up until now, David had a pattern of recklessness in
his romantic relationships. He acquired many wives and concubines without
consideration of what it would do to his heart and theirs.
This one moment was the climax of a thousand small compromises.
(58:05):
You see, we think our sin is just one decision,
but it isn't. It's a thousand small decisions that build
into hundreds of larger decisions, ultimately leading to one large
and irreversible decision. Earlier episodes gave us some hints that
this was going to happen. Did you listen again and
(58:26):
hear them? In episode twenty three, we are told the
entire continent knew once and for all that David was king,
elevated by God, and no one would defeat him, No
one from the outside. That is, after this statement. There
is a scene with David leaning over the balcony of
his roof. People who know the story of David might
(58:48):
have thought that that would be the moment he saw Bathsheba.
In episode twenty, David asked Abner to bring Michael to him,
and Benaya tries to warn him, I know just the thing.
David stepped forward and said to the messenger, tell your
master that I will accept his request to meet. However,
I have a condition. He shall not see my face
(59:09):
until he first brings me my first wife, Michael. Saul's
cruelty turned her away from me, and she will be
given to another man. I slaid one hundred Philistines for
the right to marry her, and I desire her back
another wife. But now I'm mumbo. Be careful, my friend.
David ignored his friend's jab. In episode thirteen, the day
(59:32):
after they ball had been killed, David seeks out Abigail.
He felt a flutter in his stomach and smiled. Abigail
for a breathtaking woman, he thought to himself. David closed
his eyes and smiled. He shook his head and lifted
his hands to heaven. He sprinted out of the woods
and retrieved the horse without telling his men. David galloped
(59:53):
to Nabo's home. It was late and the stars were
brightly arrayed over the horizon. David rode to Abigail go
home and looked up. Abigail was once again sitting at
her window. Do you see what's been happening? David has
already been making it a habit to take someone else's wife.
Michael was married to another man, and David took her
(01:00:14):
away from him. Abigail had just been widowed, and David
wooed her. David's patterns have been subtle and under the radar,
but now we are seeing the accumulation of seemingly small decisions,
and we are realizing that David has been ignoring those clues.
Up until now, David seemed to be immune to the
(01:00:35):
entitlement of the throne. But in his weakened and inebriated state,
we see his character slip. He fell into the trap
of I deserve this, and I work hard enough to
indulge every once in a while. This is how sin
often begins with entitlement. For whatever reason, our hearts can
convince themselves that they deserve to indulge, no matter who
(01:00:57):
gets hurt. David's mind is made up, and he sends
for Bathsheba. She obeys, But we must not mistake what's
happening here for a mutual affair. David is the most
powerful man in the country. Ultimately, we don't know how
Bathsheba felt about this. David used his status to bring
her to him. At this point in the story, it
(01:01:20):
is important for us to consider a few difficult things.
It is hard to believe that Bathsheba's relationship with David
was consensual. Whether Bathsheba desired David or not. He used
his status to lure her in. He was the king,
and you don't disobey the king. Let's say Basheba didn't
want to sleep with David, what choice does she have
(01:01:42):
but to come when he calls. An often unspoken sin
in this story is that David leveraged his title to
get a woman to do what he wanted. He put
her in a vulnerable position, and God's anger will be
kindled against him for it. David took advantage of Bashi,
and there is nowhere around it. We do not know
(01:02:03):
her state of mind, but the fact is she didn't
have a choice either way. Let this hideous sin be
a reminder that nobody is immune to sin and pride,
not even the Giant Slayer himself. As terrible as David's
affair was, it was not even his most egregious sin.
After failing to cover up his sin, he sent Uriah
(01:02:24):
to the front lines to be killed. David was safe
from the judgment of man, all the while invoking the
judgment of God. One of the worst parts about this
episode is that even after his night with Bshiba, we
are given this sense that the death of URII could
have been avoided. Remember when God saved David from joining
forces with the Philistines. God has proven time and time
(01:02:48):
again to David that he will deliver him from his
poor decisions, but David refuses to reach up to God.
He refuses to ask for forgiveness. Instead, he frantically tries
to cover up his mistakes. In this episode, King David
bears an uncanny resemblance to King Saul. He wears a
false smile, he uses a manipulative tone, and he refuses
(01:03:11):
to face God like a man. David has forgotten who
he is, which is exemplified in all the references to
his royal robes. Did you notice that he is wearing
his royal robes and not the ones Jonathan gave him.
This was a smaller reminder that David had forgotten the
shepherd who sang to God the blood of you Ryah
(01:03:31):
was on his hands, but David continued lying to everyone
and himself self. Deception is a powerful thing. Our minds
do not like the stress of guilt, so we come
up with all sorts of excuses and distractions to keep
us from feeling shame. David was living as if he
hadn't just gotten another man's wife pregnant and then killed
(01:03:52):
him to cover it up. Can I say something slightly
uncomfortable for a moment, I promise it will lead us
to a good place back. It was a king's prerogative
to take whoever he wanted and kill whoever he wanted.
It wasn't right, but it was not uncommon for a
king in those days to take other men's wives and
kill them. Since this was a monarchy and not a democracy,
(01:04:15):
nobody held the king accountable. Kings of other nations would
get away with something like this because it was commonplace,
but not the king of God's nation, not God's chosen hero.
Perhaps speaking from personal experience, David's son Solomon said, for
the Lord disciplines him who he loves like a father
(01:04:36):
to a son, and whom he delights. God loves David
too much to let him get away with his sin.
The episode continued down a tragic course. Nathan confronts David
by telling him about a rich man who took a
poor man's lamb. The King's outrage revealed just how ignorant
he was to his own sin. This is an important
(01:04:56):
lesson for us. When we cut out the voice of
God in our hearts, the outrage we are supposed to
have toward our own sin is pointed at others. David
recognized the sin of the rich man, but had no
clue it was really about him. Nathan gave David a
chilling rebuke followed by a curse. Behold, the sword shall
(01:05:16):
never depart from your house because of the violence you
enacted against you, Riah. Violence will plague your household, and
strife will come upon you. I will raise up evil
against you out of your own home. Your wives will
scorn you and take on other lovers, and they will
do so publicly and in the sun. For you did
it secretly. But I will punish you before all Israel.
(01:05:40):
This curse will turn out to be true. Violence is
going to plague his household, and David will find himself
drowning in a sea of his own mistakes. At this
point in the story, we're getting too many flashbacks to
King Saul. David has become just like him, corrupt, selfish,
and ignorant to his own pride. Is hope lost for
(01:06:02):
our hero? Is he destined to fade away into darkness
like Saul did?
Speaker 6 (01:06:07):
No.
Speaker 1 (01:06:07):
In fact, we're reminded about some of the main differences
between David and Saul. David, when faced with this sin,
repents immediately. He is despondent, repentant, and completely submissive to
God's correction. It has often been said that the maturity
of our faith isn't always measured in how often we sin,
but how long it takes us to repent After we
(01:06:30):
have sinned. David's heart is reconnected with God's and they
begin to rebuild their fractured relationship. David will still need
to answer for his sins. Tragedy will befall his household,
and David's weakened character may prove to make it worse.
I wish I could say Our story gets brighter from here,
but it doesn't. There is more darkness to walk through
(01:06:52):
before we see any light. Join us next time for
episode twenty five, The Exiled Sun. Thanks again for listening.
For more inspiring stories, daily prayers and wisdom to last
the lifetime, go to pray dot com and to expand
your heroes in the Bible Journey, download the Heroes of
the Faith devotional at Tonyevans dot org. Forward slash Heroes.
(01:07:17):
Follow the podcast on Apple or Spotify to get the
newest episodes right as they come out, and always be
inspired by the Bible. God bless.
Speaker 8 (01:07:29):
Hello.
Speaker 5 (01:07:29):
My name is Matthew Potter, co founder of pray dot com.
Speaker 8 (01:07:32):
I wanted to ask do you know what your bank
does with your money? At America's Christian Credit Union, your
everyday banking helps grow churches, expand the reach of missions agencies,
and supports fellow believers across the country.
Host
Dr. Tony Evans
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