2 Samuel 11:27

And when the time of mourning was over, David had her brought to his house, and she became his wife and bore him a son. But the thing that David had done was evil in the sight of the LORD.

Study Bible

And when the time of mourning was over
In ancient Israel, mourning periods were customary and often lasted for a set time, typically seven days, as seen in Genesis 50:10. Bathsheba mourned for her husband Uriah, who was killed in battle. This period reflects the cultural and religious practices of the time, emphasizing the importance of honoring the deceased.

David had her brought to his house
David's actions here reflect his authority as king, but also his attempt to legitimize his relationship with Bathsheba after the death of her husband. This act can be seen as a political move to cover up the sin of adultery and the orchestrated death of Uriah. It highlights the misuse of power and the moral decline in David's kingship.

and she became his wife and bore him a son
Bathsheba becoming David's wife and bearing him a son signifies the continuation of David's lineage, which is crucial in the biblical narrative. However, this union was born out of sin, and the child conceived in this context would later die, as a consequence of David's actions (2 Samuel 12:14). This event foreshadows the future turmoil in David's family and kingdom.

But the thing that David had done was evil in the sight of the LORD
This phrase underscores the moral and spiritual evaluation of David's actions. Despite being a man after God's own heart (1 Samuel 13:14), David's sin is clearly condemned by God. This highlights the biblical theme that no one is above God's law, and even the anointed king is accountable to divine standards. It serves as a reminder of the seriousness of sin and the need for repentance, which David eventually demonstrates in Psalm 51.

Persons / Places / Events

1. David
The King of Israel, who committed adultery with Bathsheba and orchestrated the death of her husband, Uriah.

2. Bathsheba
The woman with whom David committed adultery; she became pregnant and later married David.

3. Uriah the Hittite
Bathsheba's husband, a loyal soldier in David's army, whom David had killed to cover up his sin.

4. The LORD
The God of Israel, who was displeased with David's actions.

5. Jerusalem
The city where these events took place, serving as the capital of Israel and the location of David's palace.

Teaching Points

The Consequences of Sin
Sin, even when hidden from others, is never hidden from God. David's actions displeased the LORD, showing that God sees and judges the heart.

The Importance of Repentance
David's later repentance (as seen in Psalm 51) is a model for us. True repentance involves acknowledging our sin, seeking God's forgiveness, and turning away from wrongdoing.

The Deceptive Nature of Sin
Sin often begins with a seemingly small temptation but can lead to devastating consequences. We must be vigilant and guard our hearts against temptation.

God's Displeasure with Sin
God's displeasure with David's actions reminds us that our actions have spiritual implications. We must strive to live in a way that pleases God.

The Role of Accountability
David's account underscores the need for accountability. Having others who can speak truth into our lives can help prevent us from falling into sin.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does David's sin with Bathsheba illustrate the progression of temptation to sin, and what steps can we take to interrupt this progression in our own lives?

2. In what ways does David's account in 2 Samuel 11:27 challenge us to consider the hidden sins in our own lives and their impact on our relationship with God?

3. How can Psalm 51 serve as a guide for genuine repentance in our lives today?

4. What role does accountability play in preventing sin, and how can we cultivate relationships that encourage spiritual growth and accountability?

5. How does understanding God's displeasure with sin motivate us to pursue holiness and align our actions with His will?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Psalm 51
David's psalm of repentance, traditionally understood to be written after Nathan confronted him about his sin with Bathsheba.

Exodus 20:14
The commandment against adultery, which David violated.

1 Samuel 13:14
Describes David as a man after God's own heart, highlighting the contrast between his usual character and his actions in this chapter.

James 1:14-15
Discusses how desire leads to sin, and sin, when full-grown, leads to death, paralleling David's progression from temptation to sin.