2 Samuel 11:2

One evening David got up from his bed and strolled around on the roof of the palace. And from the roof he saw a woman bathing--a very beautiful woman.

Study Bible

One evening
The phrase "one evening" sets the stage for a significant turning point in King David's life. In the Hebrew context, evening often symbolizes a time of vulnerability and introspection. It is a period when the day's activities have ceased, and one might be more susceptible to temptation. This moment foreshadows the moral and spiritual darkness that is about to unfold in David's life.

David got up from his bed
This phrase suggests a restlessness in David. As king, he should have been with his army, leading them in battle, but instead, he is at home, idle. The Hebrew word for "bed" (מִשְׁכָּב, mishkav) can also imply a place of comfort or complacency. David's physical rising from his bed symbolizes a spiritual descent, as he moves from a place of rest to one of moral compromise.

and strolled around on the roof of the palace
The roof of the palace was a place of privilege and perspective, offering a view over the city. In ancient Near Eastern architecture, roofs were often used for relaxation and reflection. However, David's stroll is not one of innocent contemplation. The Hebrew verb "strolled" (הָלַךְ, halak) implies a casual, perhaps aimless, movement, reflecting David's lack of purpose at this moment. His physical elevation on the roof contrasts with his impending moral fall.

And from the roof he saw a woman bathing
The act of seeing here is pivotal. The Hebrew verb "saw" (רָאָה, ra'ah) indicates more than a casual glance; it suggests a deliberate and lingering look. This moment of seeing is the inception of David's sin, as it leads to covetousness and ultimately to adultery. The act of bathing was a private ritual, and David's intrusion into this privacy marks the beginning of his transgression.

a very beautiful woman
The description of the woman as "very beautiful" (טוֹבַת מַרְאֶה, tovat mareh) emphasizes the allure and temptation that David faces. In the Hebrew Bible, physical beauty is often noted, but it can also serve as a test of character. David's failure to look beyond the external beauty to the moral implications of his actions highlights his spiritual weakness at this moment. This phrase serves as a reminder of the biblical teaching that true beauty is found in righteousness and obedience to God.

Persons / Places / Events

1. David
The King of Israel, a man after God's own heart, who is at a pivotal moment in his life where he faces temptation and moral failure.

2. Bathsheba
The woman whom David sees bathing. She is described as very beautiful and is the wife of Uriah the Hittite.

3. The Roof of the Palace
The location where David observes Bathsheba. This setting is significant as it represents a place of power and vulnerability.

4. Evening
The time of day when this event occurs, symbolizing a period of rest and reflection, yet it becomes a moment of temptation for David.

5. Jerusalem
The city where these events take place, the capital of Israel and the center of David's kingdom.

Teaching Points

Guarding the Eyes and Heart
David's sin began with a look. We must be vigilant about what we allow our eyes to see and our hearts to desire.

The Danger of Idleness
David was not where he was supposed to be—leading his army. Idleness can lead to vulnerability to temptation.

The Ripple Effect of Sin
This moment of temptation led to a series of sins (adultery, deceit, murder). Sin often has far-reaching consequences.

Repentance and Restoration
While this passage focuses on David's failure, it sets the stage for his later repentance. God’s grace is available even after grave sin.

Accountability and Community
David was alone when he fell into temptation. Having accountability partners can help us stay strong in moments of weakness.

Bible Study Questions

1. What steps can we take to guard our eyes and hearts from temptation in our daily lives?

2. How does idleness or being out of place make us more susceptible to sin, and what can we do to stay purposefully engaged?

3. Reflect on a time when a small sin led to larger consequences. How can we learn from David's experience to prevent this in our own lives?

4. In what ways can we seek accountability within our Christian community to help us resist temptation?

5. How does understanding the process of temptation and sin, as described in James 1:14-15, help us in our spiritual walk?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Genesis 3
The temptation of Eve in the Garden of Eden parallels David's temptation, highlighting the universal struggle with sin.

James 1:14-15
This passage explains the process of temptation leading to sin, which is evident in David's actions.

Matthew 5:28
Jesus' teaching on lust connects to David's initial sin of looking at Bathsheba with desire.