Topical Encyclopedia Adultery, as defined in the Bible, is the act of engaging in sexual relations with someone who is not one's spouse. It is considered a grave sin and a violation of the covenant of marriage. One of the most notable biblical accounts of adultery involves King David, a man described as "a man after God's own heart" (1 Samuel 13:14, BSB), yet who fell into this sin, leading to significant personal and national consequences.The Incident with Bathsheba The account of David's adultery is recorded in 2 Samuel 11. During the spring, when kings typically went out to battle, David remained in Jerusalem. One evening, he saw Bathsheba, the wife of Uriah the Hittite, bathing. Overcome by desire, David sent for her and committed adultery with her. Bathsheba later informed David that she was pregnant (2 Samuel 11:2-5, BSB). The Attempted Cover-Up In an attempt to conceal his sin, David summoned Uriah from the battlefield, hoping he would go home and sleep with his wife, thus making it appear that the child was Uriah's. However, Uriah, demonstrating loyalty to his fellow soldiers, refused to enjoy the comforts of home while the Ark and Israel's army were encamped in the open field (2 Samuel 11:6-11, BSB). The Murder of Uriah When his initial plan failed, David resorted to a more sinister scheme. He instructed Joab, the commander of his army, to place Uriah at the front lines of the fiercest battle and then withdraw from him, ensuring his death. Joab complied, and Uriah was killed in battle (2 Samuel 11:14-17, BSB). After Uriah's death, David took Bathsheba as his wife, and she bore him a son (2 Samuel 11:26-27, BSB). Divine Rebuke and Consequences David's actions displeased the LORD, and He sent the prophet Nathan to confront the king. Nathan told David a parable about a rich man who took a poor man's only lamb, stirring David's anger. Nathan then revealed that David was the man in the parable, having taken Uriah's wife and orchestrated his death (2 Samuel 12:1-7, BSB). Nathan declared God's judgment: "Now, therefore, the sword will never depart from your house, because you have despised Me and taken the wife of Uriah the Hittite to be your own" (2 Samuel 12:10, BSB). David confessed his sin, and Nathan assured him that the LORD had taken away his sin, but the child born to Bathsheba would die (2 Samuel 12:13-14, BSB). Repentance and Restoration David's genuine repentance is captured in Psalm 51, a heartfelt plea for mercy and cleansing. He acknowledges his transgressions and seeks a pure heart and steadfast spirit: "Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me" (Psalm 51:10, BSB). Despite the forgiveness David received, the consequences of his sin reverberated throughout his reign. His family experienced turmoil, including the rebellion of his son Absalom and the violation of his daughter Tamar (2 Samuel 13-18, BSB). Legacy and Lessons David's account serves as a sobering reminder of the destructive power of sin, even for those who are deeply committed to God. It underscores the importance of vigilance, accountability, and the need for genuine repentance. David's life illustrates that while God's grace is sufficient to forgive, the temporal consequences of sin can be severe and far-reaching. Nave's Topical Index 2 Samuel 11:1-5And it came to pass, after the year was expired, at the time when kings go forth to battle, that David sent Joab, and his servants with him, and all Israel; and they destroyed the children of Ammon, and besieged Rabbah. But David tarried still at Jerusalem. Nave's Topical Index Library David not Lustful, Though He Fell into Adultery. A Man Expects to Reap the Same Kind as He Sows. David and Nathan At this Time, He Knew in a Guilty Way Bersabe... Examples of Such Offences under the Old Dispensation no Pattern ... Weak People Fall an Easy Prey to Heresy, which Derives Strength ... The Son of the Maker is Like unto his Father as Maker! David's Deserts The Reign of David. The History of David Resources What is spiritual adultery? | GotQuestions.orgIs remarriage after divorce always adultery? | GotQuestions.org What is the difference between fornication and adultery? | GotQuestions.org Adultery: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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