Highlights In Today's Reading:
In David's encounter with the Ammonites we see how easy it is for others to misjudge our motives. David foolishly gives in to one temptation and the entire future of his family and all of Israel is affected. Solomon is born, and the Lord calls him "Jedidiah -- beloved of the Lord." But why didn't he remain beloved of the Lord (see I Kings 11:9-11)?
David, King of Israel, had never lost a war and had grown accustomed to getting what he wanted. It came to pass, after the year was expired (in the spring), at the time when kings go forth to battle, that David sent Joab . . . and all (soldiers of) Israel. . . . But David tarried still at Jerusalem (just to relax) (II Samuel 11:1). Satan always has something or someone to attract us when we put ourselves in a position to gratify our fleshly desires. He always presents sin as both attractive and satisfying and never reminds us of the consequences.
In the next event of David's life, his conduct was typical of an eastern monarch such as a Pharaoh of Egypt, a Ben-hadad of Syria, or a Sultan of Baghdad. For a king to take the wife of a poor man would seem insignificant to one with the power and privileges which David possessed. Once the deed was done, David, no doubt, performed all his official tasks just as before, and even went to the services of the Tabernacle with no one the wiser. There was not one adverse circumstance to interfere with his sin. But the thing . . . displeased the Lord (11:27). Until this sin, David rose in power with one mighty victory after another. He is undoubtedly one of the most godly men of the pre-Christian era. But God in His righteousness and holiness declares: God is no respecter of persons (Acts 10:34) since no one is above the will and Word of God. Uriah's death and the act of adultery could not go unnoticed.
Nathan the prophet boldly confronted the king: Wherefore hast thou despised the Commandment of the Lord, to do evil in His sight? (II Samuel 12:9). Because of David's adultery, Nathan foretold: Now therefore the sword shall never depart from thine house; because thou hast despised Me, and hast taken the wife of Uriah the Hittite to be thy wife. Thus saith the Lord, Behold, I will raise up evil against thee out of thine own house, and I will take thy wives before thine eyes, and give them unto thy neighbour, and he shall lie with thy wives in the sight of this sun (publicly) (12:10-11). Deeply grieved and repentant, David confessed: I have sinned against the Lord. And Nathan said unto David, The Lord also hath put away thy sin; thou shalt not die (12:13). David's sin was forgiven but, as foretold by the prophet, its consequences of suffering, incest, rebellion, civil war, and revolt continued throughout his life.
David may have been checked in his lustful desire if Bathsheba had responded, as did Tamar, and said, Nay . . . do not force me; for no such thing ought to be done in Israel (II Samuel 13:12).
Thought for Today:
It is not a sin to be tempted. But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust. . . . Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin . . . bringeth forth death. (James 1:14-15)
Christ Revealed:
In the prophet Nathan giving Solomon the name Jedidiah, which means beloved of the Lord (II Samuel 12:24-25). Christ was greatly loved by His Heavenly Father. Jesus prayed: Father . . . Thou lovedst Me before the foundation of the world (John 17:24).
Word Studies:
10:12 play the men =show our courage and strength; 11:1 the year was expired =in the spring of the following year; 11:8 mess of meat =a gift of food from the king; 12:4 spared =refused; 12:11 in the sight of this sun =publicly for all Israel to know; 12:31 put them under saws =enslaved, made to work with saws.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for The Arabic International Shortwave Radio Broadcasts sponsored by Mrs Peggy Via • Staff: Rita Guerra • Country: Lesotho (2 million) within the east-central part of the Republic of South Africa • Major languages: Sesotho and English • Limited religious freedom • 43% Roman Catholic; 30% Protestant; 6% ancestor worship, divination, and spirit-possession cults • Prayer Suggestion: Ask according to the will of God and you will receive (John 16:24).
Optional Reading: Acts 15
Memory Verse for the Week: James 1:21
