2 Samuel 11:4

Then David sent messengers to get her, and when she came to him, he slept with her. (Now she had just purified herself from her uncleanness.) Then she returned home.

Study Bible

Then David sent messengers to get her
This phrase highlights the authority and power of King David, who could command others to act on his behalf. The use of messengers indicates a formal and deliberate action, reflecting the king's ability to summon individuals at will. This action is set against the backdrop of David's kingship, where he was expected to uphold justice and righteousness. The sending of messengers also underscores the lack of personal interaction and the impersonal nature of the act, which contrasts with the personal and intimate nature of the sin that follows. This moment foreshadows the misuse of power that leads to further transgressions.

and when she came to him
Bathsheba's compliance in coming to David can be seen as a reflection of the societal norms and expectations of the time, where a king's request was not easily refused. The cultural context of ancient Israel placed women in a position where they had limited agency, especially in the face of royal authority. This phrase also sets the stage for the unfolding of events that lead to significant consequences for both David and Bathsheba, as well as the nation of Israel.

he slept with her
This phrase marks the pivotal moment of sin, where David's actions violate the commandments against adultery. The act of sleeping with Bathsheba is not just a personal moral failure but a breach of covenantal law, which had severe implications for David's relationship with God and his role as king. This sin sets off a chain of events that lead to personal and national turmoil, illustrating the biblical principle that sin has far-reaching consequences. The narrative here connects to other scriptures that warn against the dangers of lust and the importance of self-control.

(Now she had just purified herself from her uncleanness.)
This parenthetical note provides important context regarding Bathsheba's ritual purity, indicating that she had recently completed her menstrual cycle and undergone the required purification rites as outlined in Levitical law. This detail serves to clarify that Bathsheba was not pregnant prior to her encounter with David, emphasizing the certainty of David's paternity in the subsequent pregnancy. The mention of purification also highlights the contrast between ritual cleanliness and the moral impurity of the act that follows.

Then she returned home
Bathsheba's return home signifies the end of the immediate encounter but also the beginning of a series of events that will have lasting repercussions. Her return to her own house underscores the temporary and transactional nature of the encounter, lacking the covenantal commitment that marriage entails. This phrase also foreshadows the isolation and vulnerability Bathsheba will experience as the narrative progresses, as well as the eventual exposure of the sin and its consequences. The return home is a moment of transition that sets the stage for the unfolding drama of repentance, judgment, and redemption.

Persons / Places / Events

1. David
The King of Israel, a man after God's own heart, who falls into sin by committing adultery with Bathsheba.

2. Bathsheba
The wife of Uriah, who is brought to David and becomes pregnant by him.

3. Messengers
Individuals sent by David to bring Bathsheba to him, playing a role in the unfolding of this event.

4. Jerusalem
The city where these events take place, serving as the backdrop for David's moral failure.

5. Purification
Bathsheba had just completed a ritual purification, indicating the timing of the event and her state of ceremonial cleanliness.

Teaching Points

The Consequences of Sin
David's actions lead to a series of tragic events, reminding us that sin often has far-reaching consequences.

The Importance of Accountability
David's isolation as king may have contributed to his moral failure. We need accountability in our lives to help prevent sin.

The Deceptiveness of Desire
David's desire for Bathsheba led him to ignore God's commandments. We must guard our hearts against desires that lead us away from God.

The Need for Repentance
Despite his sin, David's later repentance shows the importance of turning back to God and seeking His forgiveness.

God's Grace and Redemption
Even in the midst of sin, God's grace is available. David's lineage ultimately leads to Jesus, demonstrating God's redemptive plan.

Bible Study Questions

1. What steps can we take to avoid the pitfalls of temptation as seen in David's life?

2. How does the account of David and Bathsheba illustrate the importance of accountability in our spiritual walk?

3. In what ways can we ensure that our desires align with God's will, avoiding the deception of sin?

4. How does David's eventual repentance in Psalm 51 provide a model for us when we fall into sin?

5. What does the account of David and Bathsheba teach us about God's grace and redemption, even in the midst of our failures?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 20:14
The commandment against adultery highlights the gravity of David's sin.

Psalm 51
David's psalm of repentance, traditionally understood to be written after his sin with Bathsheba, showing his remorse and plea for forgiveness.

James 1:14-15
Describes the process of temptation leading to sin, which parallels David's actions in this account.

Matthew 5:27-28
Jesus' teaching on adultery, expanding the understanding of sin to include lustful thoughts, which can be related to David's initial desire for Bathsheba.