Chapter 24: Lust & Murder
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Thy kingdom come, thy will be done in earth as it is in heaven. Matthew 6 10 Father, I thank you that you care so much about me. You want to come into my life and radically change it. You aren't sitting back watching me struggle, leaving me to my own devices. You are actively working in and through me and all around me, working everything for your glory and my good.

Daily you are molding me and shaping me, transforming me into the person you created me to be. Your word says you have a plan and a purpose for my life. You've brought me into your family and into your kingdom, and you are using me to do your will here on earth, just as it is done in heaven. This is a high and holy calling. Help me to be worthy of it. Help me to be faithful, because I am a citizen of heaven.

A citizen of your royal kingdom, I live daily in your presence, your power, your peace. I experience your goodness and faithfulness and love. I walk in freedom and confidence and in authority. Lord, bring your kingdom to earth through me today. Let heaven invade my own life and the lives of my friends and family. Invade my workplace and my community.

Bring the light of your kingdom, its beauty and glory, to every dark place. In the name of Jesus, I pray. Amen. Stay tuned to immerse yourself in the greatest stories ever told from Pray.com's podcast, Heroes in the Bible.

Hello, my name is Matthew Potter, co-founder of Pray.com. And before we start today's episode of Heroes in the Bible, I wanted to ask, do you know what your bank does with your money? At America's Christian Credit Union, your everyday banking helps grow churches, expand the reach of missions agencies, and supports fellow believers across the country.

Learn more about specials for switching to ACCU and their nationwide banking capabilities at AmericasChristianCU.com forward slash pray. Plus the peace of mind knowing that this credit union is federally insured by the National Credit Union Administration. Hi, I'm Dr. Tony Evans and welcome to the Epic Adventure of David.

A story of honor, battle, jealousy, darkness, friendship, love, scandal, and murder. While most people know of David the myth, few know about David the man. This episode is a tale of David's greatest failure. There could be no understanding just how far the king falls in this episode. From the very beginning of this tale, you will barely be able to recognize David.

Nothing about this episode seems normal. His failure can be jarring for us and difficult to understand. But there have been breadcrumbs bringing us to this moment. Small hints and details in David's story have been warning us that this might happen. This episode is tragic. But remember what I've been reminding you of this whole time. David is not the ultimate hero of this story.

His collapse is a warning to us all. Small compromises over time can lead to huge defeats. Many of our most egregious sins were committed in our hearts before the actual moment we acted. This is exemplified in our prelude as we get a glimpse into the inner dialogue of Eve. Her conversation with the serpent reflects our own dangerous dance with sin and pride.

Take this episode in for all it is. Allow yourself to feel the weightiness of what's happening. We can't shy away from the difficult stories, for within them are profound truths and serious warnings.

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For a limited time, the classic filet of fish you love is joining your McDonald's favorites on the two for $3.99 menu. Limited time only, price and participation may vary. Cannot be combined with any other offer. Single item at regular price. Prelude to Chapter 24. All was at peace. Birds sang to the song of new creation. Animals roamed the plains unafraid. And humanity danced under the protective canopy of the garden.

A cool mist blew through the forest, dispersing the sunlight in a thousand different directions. Every part of creation was working together like a symphony towards its creator. Adam and Eve joined in the symphony, glorifying God with their laughter, love, and labor. Together, they tended to the garden and stewarded the new world. Creator and creation were in perfect harmony, perfect shalom.

Adam and Eve enjoyed the loving embrace of their God and the purpose that came with being stewards over His creation. But what is love without choice? What is a relationship without free will? In His divine love, God gave His image bearers a choice. In the midst of the garden was a tree. Its leaves were bright and vibrant, and its fruit hung low at eye level. The tree represented a choice.

Mankind could avoid the tree's fruit and continue to enjoy a life unified with God, or they could eat the fruit and be given the potential for evil. Their hearts would be corrupted with the knowledge of good and evil, light and darkness. To eat of the tree would be to choose their own will over God's. Adam and Eve knew this. They had been warned of its danger and knew it would unravel them. In the shadow of the tree lurked another creature.

His claws dug into the bark as his scaly body wrapped around its trunk. His scales were arrayed with beautiful colors of blue, gold, and red. As Adam and Eve walked the path of the tree, the serpent's eyes opened and reflected the morning light. The creature's body tightened around the tree and a crooked smile appeared on the sides of its head. The serpent whispered from underneath the tree. Eve was the first to stop as Adam continued to walk up the path.

She looked back at the tree and looked closely. "Who's there?" she asked pensively. The serpent's long body slithered up the trunk of the tree and his neck poked out from the leaves. "Closer, Eve," he hissed again. "I have a question for you." Eve was intrigued by the serpent's brilliant colors.

She stepped closer to him and looked up at his sparkling yellow eyes. The serpent smiled and met Eve eye to eye. Did God really say you shall not eat of any tree in the garden? He asked. He was rather cruel as

God has told us we can eat any fruit in the garden. She replied, Only we can't eat of this tree, nor shall we touch it, lest we die. Eve's memory had failed her, for God said nothing of touching it. Already, her interaction with the serpent was throwing her off course. Nonsense, he said with a smile. You will not die. God knows when you eat this fruit, you will be like him.

He doesn't want you to be powerful like he does. He doesn't want you in control. He doesn't want me to be powerful? Eve whispered. Her brow furrowed and her lips pursed. She was unsure of what she was hearing. If I eat this, will I be like God? She asked the serpent. Yes. He lied. All knowledge of good and evil will be just like...

"Eve." The serpent retreated back into the shadow of the tree when he saw Adam approaching down the path. He saw his wife at eye level with the fruit, reaching out to it. "What are you doing?" Adam asked. Eve looked back to her husband, then back at the fruit. Her heart had already committed to the act. The temptation was too strong. She reached her hand to the fruit and plucked it off the branch. Adam did nothing to stop her. He simply watched in curiosity.

If we eat it, we will be like God. Like? He whispered to himself.

Adam, the one who God formed from the dust of the earth and gave his spirit to, joined Eve in eating the fruit. In doing so, Adam and Eve gave into the great lie that they could be like God. They believed they could be the masters of their own fate and rulers of their own lives. They had set in motion an unbreakable chain of events that would tear the very fabric of creation. As they ate of the fruit, shame crept into their hearts.

The souls of men and women would be corrupted for generations to come, giving into the temptation towards godhood. Even the bravest souls would believe the lie that they can be like God. The serpent crawled away, believing that he had won. But he hadn't. A greater hero would come and vanquish the sin caused by Adam and Eve. He would crush the serpent's head. Chapter 24 Lust and Murder

The light spring sun rested in the middle of the sky over Jerusalem. Its mild rays were uninterrupted by clouds, and a beautiful spring breeze carried in the scent of newly bloomed flowers. David lay on a small bed of cushions in the sun on the balcony of his roof, soaking in the warmth of the day. The sun warmed his skin, and the slight coolness of the breeze kept him from overheating.

David was half asleep, enjoying a perfectly peaceful afternoon and resting his bones after a long battle. After his conquest of the Syrians, David returned home to rest and enjoy a break from the chaos of war. However, the Ammonites were still a threat to Israel. King Hanun and his army were preparing their next attack. So David sent Joab, Abishai, and Uriah to fight on his behalf. There were good reports back from Rabbah.

Apparently, they had subdued the armies encamped on the borders and were close to ravaging Amon. Although it was his duty as king to be present in battle, David thought he had earned a break. He stretched his weary body out on the pillows and yawned. This was the first pause he had given himself since becoming king. Up until then, he had been consumed with battles and trade agreements. He lounged in the sun and sipped on a cup of wine, allowing lethargy to set in.

He stood to his feet and balanced himself on the railing. He closed his eyes and drew in the sweet spring air. His head was foggy, and his mind was indolent from all his napping. The king perused the city below, sipping on his wine and smiling at the people below. David's mind wandered as he looked out of the city. He did not think of his men at war, nor did he consider the victory God had just given him. He was content to simply look out and forget he was king.

He turned his cheek to the sun and stretched out his arms. Another lethargic yawn exhaled from his mouth, and just as he was about to retreat back into his home, something caught his eye. A woman was bathing in a tub on her roof. Also enjoying the warmth of the sun on her skin, David did not look away. He leaned even further over the railing and took in the view. She was breathtakingly beautiful.

David's slightly inebriated mind did not think twice about staring. To him, she was an actress in a play, and he was her single audience member. Chills rose up David's back, and he felt the subtle cues of lust making a home in his heart. Although David had his pick of women and more wives than one man should have, he felt drawn to her. Perhaps it was because she wasn't his, and he wanted what he couldn't have.

Perhaps it was because he felt he deserved a gift after having been so faithful. Whatever the thought was, it possessed David to near madness. He grew anxious with desire and could not remove the woman from his gaze. Every single movement of hers enraptured him. Finally, the woman was finished bathing. She wrapped herself up and descended back into her home. The play was over, but David was hoping for a second act.

David whispered to himself. He turned back and beckoned his servant to come near. He gestured to the home where the woman was. The servant did as he was told.

He left the house of David and went to investigate. David laid back down on the pillows and looked up into the sky. Such beauty. He sighed to himself. Such beauty. David closed his eyes and soaked in more of the sunlight, and the breeze gently hummed him to sleep. My lord. David woke up to his servant standing over him. My lord, I have returned with news. The king rubbed his eyes and looked up.

the sun had begun its descent and the warmness of the day was barely lingering in the air the servant continued saying the only one currently in the home is bathsheba the wife of uriah the hittite one of your mighty men

"He is away with Joab, so she is alone." David nodded and held back an excited smile. He was silent for a moment, considering what he was about to do. On the surface, it seemed like just one decision. However, up until now, David had a pattern of recklessness in his romantic relationships. He acquired many wives and concubines without consideration of what it would do to his heart and theirs. This one moment was the climax of a thousand small compromises.

David looked up at his servant and said, "Bring her to me." The servant said nothing. He simply bowed his head and left. David stood up, straightened out his royal robes, and went down to his bedchambers to prepare. The light of the beautiful spring sky slowly dissolved into darkness, and the moon appeared in full brightness. David did not look up at the sky as he often did. He did not want to look up.

For then, he would be forced to think of his God, the author of his faith and convictions. Instead, he settled his gaze upon the fireplace. The intense heat radiated into the rest of the room. David's lust burned in his heart like the heat of the flames. The burning passion made him drunk. He did not notice the coals falling outside the fireplace. The hot coals simmered until finally dying outside the flames. David paid no attention. He heard a knock at the door.

The large double door built of cedar and iron opened slowly. The light emanating from the flames illuminated the room just enough for him to see her. She wore a linen dress that fell straight over her curves. Her brown wavy hair was laying over her shoulders. He watched every move of her hips as she walked forward. Back and forth they went like a pendulum keeping David's full and undivided attention. There was a silence for a short while as they stood there and stared at one another.

Bathsheba was clearly nervous, unwilling to meet David's objectifying eye. She directed her attention to the tapestries mounted on David's walls. They were beautifully woven, telling stories through images. The king cleared his throat and broke the silence. They were woven by an Egyptian needleworker.

A gift from the Pharaoh. Is this it? Is this the sword of Goliath? It is.

She knew there would be no option out. She was caught in an undefined space between honored guest and prisoner. He stepped forward, and she stepped to the side and kept looking around the room. David smirked. It was like a mating dance. David took two steps forward, then she took another step forward, then two away from him. The dance was exhilarating to David. Finally, they both found themselves at the foot of the bed.

She was within reach. Yet David waited for the perfect moment. He stood there with heavy breath, waiting for Bathsheba to give him a signal. She didn't. But David was determined to find anything to give him license to take her. Her hazel eyes shimmered in the firelight. They were wide and bright. Yet behind them was a sense of mystery. David wanted to explore that mystery. He wanted to take all of her in.

Bathsheba turned away for a moment. "I should not be here," she whispered. David took his hand and gently placed it on her chin, directing her face back at his. As the flickering flame continued to burn, David leaned in and kissed her. David wrapped his arms around Bathsheba and kissed her passionately. The two of them were caught up in a passionate and sinful affair, but David did not care in the moment. As the night drew on and their naked bodies wrapped around one another,

David willingly compromised his integrity. In the heat of passion, he did not think of his family. In the forbidden pleasure, David enjoyed every second of his sin. He felt invisible, untouchable, and immune to the effects of his actions. He was gravely mistaken. Weeks passed, and David did his best to remove the night of sin from his mind. But he could not. He thought about Bathsheba more and more as the days rolled on.

He did not think of how he loved her or cared for her. He simply loved the pleasure she brought him. It was a low point for God's anointed. After his midnight escapade with Bathsheba, David continued to shirk his responsibilities as king. The battle against the Ammonites still raged, and Joab and his men continued their fight. But the king remained at home. David rationalized his absence with matters of domestic need. He met with the treasury and storehouse managers.

He convened with the judges and priests in the land, yet he did not do the primary thing he was called to do as a king: protect and fight. Instead, he was content to spend a few hours a day working, and the rest of the day lazily lounging in the sun. He spent more time with the king's harem than usual, desperately trying to relive the exhilaration of his affair. But the pleasure escaped him. There was a lingering emptiness he could not seem to fill.

A void was created in him the night of his affair, and he was woefully unaware of how to fill it. David looked out on the top of his roof again. He did not look at the stars. He did not bask in the majesty of the heavens and sing songs like he usually did. No, instead he looked down. Down at the city, down at the streets of Jerusalem, and down at the home of Bathsheba. He wondered if he should beckon her again. Surely she would not refuse him.

David stood to his feet and smiled. He descended down the ladder back into his bedroom. He gestured to his servant and said, "'Bring me Bathsheba again. Tell her I desire to speak with her.' The servant paused and gave a nervous stare."

He twiddled his thumbs and looked away, considering what he should say next. My lord, I have been given word that Bathsheba desires to speak with you. She has requested that she come immediately. Excellent news, David exclaimed. Then bring her to me. I shall prepare, and as always, tell no one of this. The servant knew what David did not.

However, he thought it best for the king to be told by Bathsheba. So he sent for her, and in the secrecy of night, the young woman was brought into his chambers. David ran his hands through his curls and smiled. "'You look radiant,' he said softly, reaching to grab her hand. However, she pulled away and looked at him with fearful eyes. "'What is wrong?' David asked. "'My king, I am pregnant,' Bathsheba said with a broken voice."

Are you sure? Could it be Uriah's? Of course it is yours. My husband has been fighting on your behalf against the Ammonites. I have not seen him in months. Now look at the mess you have created.

She was right. David took advantage of a lonely woman without her husband. He used his charm and status to lure her in, and now he found himself in an irreversible mess. Now would normally be the time when David leaned on the wisdom of God and repented. However, he had already created a habit of leaning on his own desires.

He ignored his initial instinct to pray and instead frantically reassured Bathsheba that he would handle everything. "Do not worry, my dear," David said nervously. "I shall make this right. You will not be cast aside and all will be well again." He kissed her on the forehead and had her sent back home to rest. The king sat down at his table and pulled at his hair. He called in his servant and said, "Send word to Joab. I need Uriah to be taken from battle."

and brought back to me," he said. The servant bowed his head and did as he was told. The battle was grueling and seemed to drag on for an eternity. The spring rains came early, and the valley where the battle took place was soaking and muddy. Joab and the army of Israel were able to breach the enemy lines, but the weather inhibited them from taking hold of the city. Rain descended like arrows on them, and the wind howled with ferocity.

Joab, Abishai, Joshua-Beam, and Uriah were huddled in a tent, strategizing their next attack. "Perhaps we can take the battle elsewhere," Abishai said. "There's no point in trudging through this mud any longer." Joab agreed. His men were growing weary, and the enemy was securely entrenched in the city.

They were able to recover with food and shelter. However, the army of Israel dwindled in strength day by day. If we march to the forest on the west of the Rabbah, perhaps we will have a better chance. Joab said, Do we have the strength? Joshua be massed. We have successfully weakened Ammon.

Would it not be wise to retreat, regain our strength, then finish them off at another time? We must finish what we have started, Uriah said. The integrity of our nation is at stake. They shamed our king and continue to mock us. I, for one, desire to press forward. Uriah was known as the kindest of the mighty men. He was a man of honor, integrity, and strength. No one quarreled with Uriah. They elevated him and trusted his thoughts.

The rest of the men nodded and directed their attention back to the map.

Very well, Joab said. If we are to press forward, we need to find better ground to finish them off. I still think our best chance is on the Western Front. We would be especially successful if David would send us reinforcements in the next week. Have you heard anything from the king regarding reinforcements? I have sent word, but still no reply. It's not like the king to ignore these things. Joab said. It is not like him to not be here with us in the mud and dirt. Joshua Beam added.

As the men continued to strategize, a messenger from Jerusalem entered the tent. Joab, I have a request from the king to send Uriah the Hittite back to Jerusalem. He wishes to speak with him. All eyes were on Uriah. It was an odd request, and Uriah shrugged in ignorance. Do you know why I have been summoned? Uriah asked. He wishes to hear about the battle in greater detail. The messenger replied. I have been told time is of the essence.

"Uriah, you must implore the king to send us more men," Joab said. "The rain and wind has made everything a struggle, and we need fresh legs if we are to push forward and end this battle." Uriah nodded and gathered his belongings. He mounted his horse and rode with the messenger back to Jerusalem. The king sat on his throne listening to the elders give reports on their tribes. He took note of the small disputes, glaring needs, and successful growth.

David was always adept at listening to the elders and considering the wisdom they had to offer regarding the kingdom. It was a trait that he hoped to pass down to his son Absalom, heir to the throne. Yet today, David's mind was elsewhere. He was thinking about his new child in Bathsheba's womb. He was anxious and nervously awaited the arrival of Uriah. After the elders departed, the doors opened up and the messenger walked in with Uriah.

His hair was dirty and soaked. His armor was stained red and caked with mud. David's heart beat profoundly at the sight of him. Uriah was a loyal friend, one of his mighty men that followed him in the wilderness.

Yet the desire to cover up his sin was greater than his conviction, and it took David no time at all to begin his lies. Uriah! I am glad you have come. He stepped down and embraced him. You must be weary from your travels. Go and wash yourself and greet your wife. When you have bathed and embraced her, we shall talk about the battle. Uriah pursed his lips and shook his head. With all due respect, my king...

I would like to update you on the battle and request reinforcements. Then, I would like to return to the men. They need me. David winced at Uriah's noble heart. Pangs of conviction began to bubble up, but he ignored them. He would not admit his fault. He needed to continue in his manipulation. I admire your spirit. David replied. However, I have much to do before tomorrow.

Let us convene tomorrow. Go home, enjoy a warm bed with your wife, and we shall speak tomorrow." The king left the throne room, hoping Uriah would go home to Bathsheba. No doubt, Bathsheba would know to take Uriah into the bed. That way, Uriah would think the child within her was his. However, Uriah did not do what he was told. He waited outside the king's house and rested his head against the stone walls.

He closed his eyes and breathed in the spring air. It had been a long time since he had the sun shine on his face. Ammon had been covered by clouds for over a week. Uriah's weary bones relaxed outside, and he fell asleep near the steps. David was up all night anxiously pacing back and forth near the fire. He would be more comfortable knowing Uriah was with Bathsheba. However, until he had confirmation, he continued to nervously walk in circles,

In all the anxiety and waiting, it did not occur to him to seek the Lord. The shame in his heart kept him from approaching his God. Instead of confessing and bringing his sin to the altar of the Lord, he buried his shame and sought to cover up his sin. After a sleepless night in his room, he rose up at sunrise to walk the garden. The morning fog was thick and a dark figure sat in the front of his home.

To David's dismay, it was Uriah sleeping on the floor. "Uriah!" David shouted, startling him awake. "What are you doing here? Why have you not gone home to your wife? You've had a long journey. Why would you not allow yourself to rest?" Uriah stood at attention. He was shorter than David, yet somehow seemed a hundred feet taller. "The Ark of the Covenant dwells in a tent. Joab and the others are camping in the mud, with arrows being fired at them.

For me to eat, drink, and lie with my wife would be a disgrace. How could I live with myself knowing that they are cold and vulnerable while I am warm and full? David was growing irritated with Uriah's righteousness. It vexed him to be in the presence of someone so devoted. It made his own shortcomings all the more real. He forced a smile and placed a hand on Uriah's shoulder. What a blessing it is to have you as a brother in arms, Uriah.

Come, let us eat and discuss the war. You shall stay with me today, and I shall send you back tomorrow. The two of them entered the courtroom and spoke about the war. How are the men faring? David asked, gritting his teeth. Suffering. Uriah said, We were able to overpower their army on the battlefield, but complications with the weather have kept us from advancing forward. They are fortified in the city while we are rotting away in the cold.

David said, David said frankly,

And if we sin more, we leave our borders vulnerable. I understand, my king. However, this could be over quickly if we had just a few hundred extra men. David paused and considered what Uriah was saying. Over quickly? He said in a whisper. Darkness was slithering into David's heart. Yes, I do desire for this to be over quickly. He said in a stern voice. You will have your reinforcements, Uriah.

"'Rest assured, you have convinced me. Now, come, have a drink with me and we shall send you off properly.' "'I couldn't, Lord. Not while the other men—' "'I insist.' David interrupted. "'You are an old friend and a loyal soldier. I would very much like to enjoy your company before sending you off. The more rested you are, the better off you will be in battle. Now, drink and eat.' So Uriah did as the king asked.'

David had meats, cheeses, and wine brought in. He told the servants to always keep Uriah's cup full. To the best of David's ability, he tried to get the man drunk. More wine for my friend. He ordered with a laugh. Come, drink up, and enjoy this last night. So Uriah continued to drink. As soon as the man was sufficiently drunk, David leaned over and said, You must miss your wife dearly, Uriah.

She is beautiful. Oh, yes. Uriah said with a sleepy slur. She is the love of my life. A cool spring in a desolate desert. His poetic description of his wife did not help with David's guilt. Go home, Uriah. Embrace her as her husband. No doubt you are anxious to bed her again. David said. However, Uriah, even while inebriated, shook his head. I will not. He said. She is a delicacy.

If I bed her while my comrades lie in the dirt, what kind of man am I? Why should I bathe in gold when they bathe in filth? Now, I shall sleep here and then leave in the morning. Uriah stumbled up onto his feet, knocking over his cup in the process. He steadied himself and focused. After composing himself, he waddled over to a nearby lounging area and fell face first into the cushions. David walked over and tried to shake him awake.

but he was fast asleep. The king was frustrated at the situation he found himself in. Uriah would not sleep with his wife in time to cover up their affair. David found himself at a crossroads. He could either give up the charade and confess, or continue to get tangled in the web of lies he had spun. Furious, David began to storm off, knocking over the iron-coated pools. They spilled onto the floor away from the fire. One of them burned his foot. He yelled and cursed. "Clean this up!"

The chosen king of God was losing the battle. Sin had a hold of him like a predator, and it was sinking its teeth deeper into his neck. David stormed out, nearly breaking the wooden door. He clenched his fists and tensed his whole body. He had so much rage boiling up in him. All Uriah had to do was sleep with his wife. David found it effortless to sleep with Bathsheba, but Uriah was able to maintain his conviction. Why did Uriah have to make things difficult?

David screamed into the dark night. He took a stone from the floor and threw it at the fence near the garden. He punched at the air and screamed into the void. What am I going to do? He thought to himself. He's ruined everything. David was unable to see that Uriah had done nothing wrong. It was he who got himself into this situation. He paused his clamoring for a moment and drew a deep breath. He closed his eyes and thought about his options. Then, an idea came to him.

In all his years, he had never considered something so hideous and sinful. Yet he had already trained his mind to ignore the voice of God. Without a second thought, David re-entered his home and began to write a message to Joab. Joab, it has come to my attention that the front lines are in need of more soldiers. After Uriah's visit, I have decided to send you reinforcements. However, I am also requesting something from you.

It is a matter of great importance and will require your secrecy as my commander and right hand. Set Uriah at the forefront of the harshest parts of the battlefield. When he marches in, order the other soldiers to delay before following him. I need Uriah to fall on the battlefield. Considering my forgiveness of your crimes against Abner, I trust that you will obey me without question.

King David. David sealed the letter with his royal emblem and had his messenger leave immediately to Joab. He sat back in his seat, contemplating what he had just done. He had set in motion something that could not be undone. Tomorrow, Uriah would leave to fight, and he would never return again. Nothing would ever be the same.

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The Ammonite army was postured in front of the city, ready to defend it. They were wrapped around the walls, covering every entrance. In order to get within the city borders, they needed to fight through them. Joab looked out at the vast army inside. He gripped the letter from the king in his hands and crumpled it in his fist.

He was grieved at what he was about to do. Abishai was on his right and Uriah was on his left. He gestured to the two of them saying, "Abishai, you will lead a group straight on into the fray. Uriah, you and I will lead a smaller band of men around the perimeter." Both of them nodded and the battle was underway. Abishai led the charge directly in front of the gates. The two armies clashed and began to battle. Joab and Uriah led a group of a hundred men around the perimeter to pick off the city guard.

Joab knew that there were archers at the top of the walls. It happened quickly. Uriah ran around the corner of the wall and immediately saw a shower of arrows fall from above. All Joab could hear was the clamoring of guards and the sudden scream of Uriah. Tears streamed down his face, and he called for his men to turn the corner and fight. Joab fought with rage, anguish, and heartbreak. Uriah was beloved and an honorable man.

He did not know why he deserved such a fate. "The blood of Uriah is on David's hands, not mine," he thought to himself. The men gained advantage over our army, but we managed to drive them back all the way to the entrance of the gates. The messenger told David, "Joab is confident that another attack will finally allow them to breach the city." King David nodded and looked up. "Were there many who were lost?" he asked. "Yes, my king. According to Joab, they had many archers set on the walls. Many soldiers were dead."

Any of note? David asked. Just one, my king. Uriah the Hittite. One of your mighty men. He has fallen. David feigned shock and stood to his feet. It was a terrible performance, but the messenger fell for it. He put a hand over his forehead and sighed. A tragedy, he said. Tell Joab to not let this matter discourage him. The sword devours one person now and then another.

Tell him to strengthen his attack against the city. I shall send even more men. Encourage him and tell him, well done. The messenger bowed his head and departed. When the door closed, David released his breath. He panted heavily and fell onto his knees. Uriah was dead and he killed him. Word was sent to Bathsheba that Uriah had been killed in battle. Her lament was great. She knew that David had a hand in it.

The guilt of her affair and the sorrow of her loss was almost too much to bear. She shut herself out for days, not allowing anyone to enter her chambers. At night, she cried herself to sleep, unable to bear the immeasurable guilt. Her sorrow was David's doing, since he had been unable to control himself. Yet even in her mourning, she knew that time was of the essence. Uriah's death would be meaningless unless her and David were married.

Once the period of mourning was over, and before Bathsheba began to show signs of pregnancy, David sent for her. She took off her veil of mourning and exchanged it for a wedding veil. She was carried out gently on a wedding seat, lifted high in the air. The entire city watched as she passed, whispering and wondering who she was to have won the affections of the king.

She was brought to the king's house. Attending the wedding were a few of David's mighty men: Shammah, Eleazar, Benaiah, Joab, Abishai, and Joshua-beam. Also in attendance was Nathan the prophet. He remained in the back of the courtyard, leaning against the fountain. He watched as David held his bride's hand and looked her in the eyes. He watched his eyes drift from her face down to her belly.

It was at that moment Nathan felt the prompting of God's voice. The anger of God was awakened, and Nathan feared the worst for the young king. It was early in the morning, and David arose before the sunrise to walk the garden. He rolled out of his bed and looked at his new bride beside him. It all seemed much more empty and pointless now. The anxiety of covering up their affair had left them exhausted. David had a disquieted soul, but he did not know it.

The radical self-reflection he once had was gone. His conscience was like an unsharpened blade, rusty and dull. He had spent so much time quieting the voice of God's Spirit within him that it was nearly impossible for him to feel guilty anymore. He wrapped himself in his royal robes and left the house to stroll among the gardens. The mild spring air was slowly giving way to the heat of summer. David could sense it would be a warm day.

He walked the gardens, humming an old tune and listening to the birds. Then, almost out of nowhere, Nathan the prophet appeared. "Ah, Nathan! You startled me!" the king said with laughter. He placed a hand on his shoulder and smiled. "It was great to see you at the wedding. Bathsheba and I were pleased to have you there." Nathan nodded and forced a smile. "I wouldn't have missed it, my son.

However, I wish I could carry on in the celebration, but alas, I cannot. I have heard disturbing news. What troubles you?" David asked ignorantly. The old man gestured for the king to sit down. The two of them sat beside one another, soaking in the new rays of the morning. Nathan sighed and said, "There were two men who lived in the same village." He began, "One of them was very rich. The other was very poor.

The rich man had many flocks of sheep, goats, and herds of oxen. But the poor man had nothing but one single little lamb. He had bought this lamb with money he had saved for quite some time. He nursed the lamb, bathed it, and nurtured it. In fact, the little lamb would even sleep with his children at night. The lamb was like a daughter to this poor man.

Nathan smiled and looked at David. The king was clearly enjoying the story thus far, and Nathan knew he had his attention. Nathan frowned and said, "'However, something disturbing happened to that poor man. One day a traveler came to visit the rich man. Now the rich man wanted to feed his guest, but he did not want to prepare any of his own animals.'

So in the middle of the night, the rich man went into the poor man's home and stole the little lamb. He killed it and prepared it to feed his guest, and the poor man was left with nothing. David was utterly distraught at the news. "'What?' he exclaimed. "'Who is this man? As the Lord lives, the man who has done this deserves to die!'

I will restore the lamb fourfold to the poor man. What egomaniacal monster would do such a thing? Nathan stood to his feet and held out a finger to the king. His eyes were filled with righteous indignation. The old prophet boomed his voice downward towards the king. You are that man, King David! Nathan's voice carried an echo across the garden. It sent chills down David's spine. What do you mean? David asked.

Thus says the Lord, the God of Israel and the God of justice:

I anointed you king over the nation, and I delivered you from the wrath of Saul. I gave you a grand home, wives, and the entire house of Israel and Judah. And if this were too little, I have also added victories and conquests to you. Why then have you despised my word and done what is evil? You have struck down Uriah the Hittite, a child of Israel, and taken his wife.

David was shaken to his core. Nathan spoke with the authority of God. He could feel the Lord's anger bubbling over. Lord, he murmured. I just... Hear the word of the Lord, giant slayer. Nathan interrupted. Behold, the sword shall never depart from your house because of the violence you enacted against Uriah. Violence will plague your household and strife will come upon you.

I will raise up evil against you out of your own home. Your wives will scorn you and take on other lovers, and they will do so publicly and in the sun. For you did it secretly, but I will punish you before all Israel and for the world to see. David fell onto his knees. He wept at the feet of Nathan. I have sinned, Lord, he whimpered.

I have no excuse. Nathan knelt down and touched David on the shoulder. He spoke in a gentle voice, saying, The Lord will forgive you, my king. You will not die, and your kingdom shall remain. Nevertheless, because of all the strife and chaos this has caused, the child who is born to you out of sin shall die. David darted his eyes up to Nathan. He shook his head in disbelief.

But Nathan had nothing left to say. He rose and went back to his house, leaving David in emotional and spiritual disarray. What have I done? David whispered to himself. He looked up at the sky for the first time in weeks. Where have I gone? It was as if a fog was cleared from David's head, and he was finally able to see what he had gotten himself caught up in. He placed his face in his hands and wept. Who... who have I become?

Weeks turned into months, and David trudged around Jerusalem in a melancholy daze. As Bathsheba's belly grew larger, so did David's dread. He placed his hand on her pregnant belly and held his head to it. "Oh, little one," he whispered. "Oh, how I pray the Lord does not follow through with His word." Tears streamed down his cheeks, and Bathsheba held his head close. Both of them wept, for they knew it was only a matter of time before their sins finally caught up to them.

Only days after her ninth month of pregnancy, Bathsheba went into labor. It was a long and painful birth, drawing out for hours. David paced outside the room where Bathsheba and the nursemaids labored. He listened to her shrieks of agony echo down the halls. He leaned his back against the walls and slid down onto the floor, covering his ears in shame. Keep them safe, he prayed. Please.

However, the painful screams continued until finally, in the sixteenth hour, they ceased. David darted into the room to find Bathsheba lying down with her baby wrapped in her arms. It was a boy, a beautiful baby boy with light, ruddy hair like his father. David knelt down beside his wife and child. He stroked the baby's cheek. He wasn't crying. He was silent, seeming to struggle for breath.

David and Bathsheba leaned their heads against one another and wept. They knew the boy didn't have much time left. Bathsheba nursed her son, and David stood to his feet. He furrowed his brow and looked out the window. "I am going to speak with the Lord," David said with a determined tone. "I have been silent towards him for too long." So David left and walked outside. The evening was dry and crisp. David could see his breath in the coolness of the air.

He removed his royal robes and outstretched his arms to God. "I am here, Lord," he said with a cracked voice. "You have my attention." David fell to his knees into the dust. He violently buried his face into the dirt and moaned to the Lord. He wrestled to gain connection with God once again. He had strayed so far from Him that he feared reconciliation was impossible. But God was near. God heard every incoherent and bumbling prayer.

David prostrated before God and would not remove himself from the dirt. All day and night he lay there, calling out to God and lamenting his sin. "Save my child!" he shouted. "I beg you, Lord!" David remained in the dust for days, refusing to remove himself. He did not eat. Only occasionally would he drink water. The rest of the time he was on his face before God.

His body was covered in dust, and below him was a puddle of mud from the dust mixed with David's tears. His prayer and fasting were not tools to get whatever he wanted from God. They were demonstrations of radical submission and surrender to God's power and will. David knew he could not deter the direction of God's will. The elders of his house approached him each day and stood beside him. "Our king," they would say,

"Get up and eat before you perish." However, he would not be raised from the ground. Though they would try and rip him away from his place of prayer, David refused. At night, he endured the biting cold. During the day, he endured the blistering sun. His entire body shook from lack of food and exposure to the elements. Then on the seventh day, the elders approached him again.

"Lord David," they said gently. However, David did not respond. They whispered among themselves, not sure how to say what they needed to say. "Look at him. How are we supposed to tell him that his son has passed? He may kill himself if he finds out." However, David could hear their whispers. It was early in the morning, and the sunrise was cresting over the city like a messenger of joy.

The gentle morning breeze caressed David's cheek, and he could once again feel the presence of God returning to him. He stood to his feet, knees quivering from lack of movement. The elders rushed to him to help him up. David stumbled and they caught him. He was panting and weak from starvation. With a raspy and frail voice, he asked, Is my son dead? They remained silent, afraid of what David might do.

David nodded and limped back into the palace. He poured himself a warm basin of water and washed himself from head to toe. The water was a pleasant balm to his damaged skin. He anointed his head with oil. The fragrance filled his lungs and he felt clean once again. His servant stood outside his room, ready to care for him at a moment's notice. David opened the door and gave a gentle smile. "Would you please retrieve me some food?" he asked.

They did as they were told and brought him some cured meat, figs, and bread. David ate silently by himself, filling his belly and thanking the Lord. The servants were confused by David's behavior. For an entire week he was broken and prostrated before the Lord, begging for the child to be healed. Now he was clean, eating, and smiling.

What are you doing? One of the servants asked. You fasted and wept while the child was still alive. And now that he is dead, you are eating? David looked up from his food and considered the question. He held himself like a man at peace. He shrugged and said, While the child was still alive, I fasted and prayed. For I thought, who knows whether the Lord will be gracious to me or not. Perhaps the child will live. But now that he is dead...

Why should I weep and fast? Can I bring him back again? One day when I pass from this life, I shall see my baby again, but he will not come back to me in this life. So I will sit here and regain my strength. Then I will go to comfort my wife. I will repent and be devoted to the Lord once again. The servants departed, and David stood up and picked up his lyre.

During his seven days in the dust, a song was put on his heart. A song of pain, suffering, and redemption. A song that would echo into eternity as an anthem of repentance. He sat down by his window and plucked the lyre. With his voice still rasping from days without food, he sang, Have mercy on me, according to your unfailing love for me. According to your abundant mercy. Blood out.

Wash me from my trespasses and cleanse me from my sin against and you alone. Please, O Lord, be pure in your... Behold, you delight in truth and the inward being. You teach me wisdom in the hidden chambers of my heart. Purge me.

And wash, wash me whiter than snow. Let me hear a song of gladness from. Let these bones that you have broken rejoice. Hide your face from my sins and blot out my evil deed in me clean. Oh God, renew a righteous spirit within me.

Do not cast me out of your presence and do not take away your spirit. Restore to me the joy of your salvation and uphold me with a willing heart. Deliver me, O God, God of my salvation, deliver me.

My tongue will sing aloud your righteousness. Open up my lips and I will declare your praise. For I know now that you do not delight in sacrifice or burden. True sacrifices are a broken spear, broken and contrite. Do good to your nation in Zion.

Build up the walls of Jerusalem. After David finished his song to the Lord, he looked over. Bathsheba was standing at the doorway listening. Her eyes were red from tears. He beckoned her over, and she sat at his feet. He sang the song again, this time with his wife beside him. He knew he had failed her. He knew he may fail her again. However, he would not depart from the Lord again.

He would not leave His presence and forsake the guidance of His Spirit. The two of them developed love for one another, and that love bore a new baby boy, whose name was Solomon. And the Lord loved Solomon, and would be faithful to him for all of his days. The tragedy caused by David was not beyond the redemption of God. Through Solomon, a temple would be built, and the presence of God would burst forth from the heart of Jerusalem.

One day, through his lineage, a new king would be born. A king that would not fail like David did. A king that would reign with righteousness, love, and compassion. A king whose strength would topple the greatest enemy of them all, sin itself. This king would be the greater David. He would succeed where David could not.

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Then desire, when it is conceived, gives birth to sin, and sin, when it is fully grown, brings forth death. I think this is a perfect place for us to begin as we unpack the decisions made by King David. God did not tempt David, nor was this a test to prove David's ability to resist temptation. David was lured and enticed by his own desire.

He had given fuel to his desire ever since becoming king. He accumulated more wives and grew the king's harem and ignored warnings from his subjects. We were warned that something like this might happen. Desire is like a newly conceived baby in its mother's womb. After a while, desire grows, eventually being birthed into what we know as sin.

What does this mean for us and what did it mean for David? It means that oftentimes the sins we commit are an accumulation of thoughts and desires that have grown over time. David had made small compromises in his family that made this decision easier.

He increased his harem and accumulated more wives, diluting his judgment when it came to lust. He had also allowed himself to stay back and enjoy creature comforts while his men suffered. These decisions alone set David up for failure. Just like Eve in the prelude, it seemed like their hearts were committed to sin before they ever acted.

This episode provided commentary on David's decision. It said, on the surface, it seemed like just one decision. However, up until now, David had a pattern of recklessness in his romantic relationships. He acquired many wives and concubines without consideration of what it would do to his heart and theirs. This one moment was the climax of a thousand small compromises. You see, we think our sin is just one decision, but it isn't.

It's a thousand small decisions that build into hundreds of larger decisions, ultimately leading to one large and irreversible decision. Earlier episodes gave us some hints that this was going to happen. Did you listen again and hear them? In episode 23, we are told, "...the entire continent knew once and for all that David was king elevated by God, and no one would defeat him." No one from the outside, that is.

After this statement, there is a scene with David leaning over the balcony of his roof. People who know the story of David might have thought that that would be the moment he saw Bathsheba. In episode 20, David asks Abner to bring Michael to him and Benaiah tries to warn him.

I know just the thing. David stepped forward and said to the messenger, tell your master that I will accept his request to meet. However, I have a condition. He shall not see my face until he first brings me my first wife, Michael. Saul's cruelty turned her away from me and she will be given to another man. I slayed a hundred Philistines for the right to marry her and I desire her back.

Another wife. Benaiah mumbled, be careful, my friend. David ignored his friend's jab. In episode 13, the day after Nabal had been killed, David seeks out Abigail. He felt a flutter in his stomach and smiled. Abigail, what a breathtaking woman, he thought to himself.

David closed his eyes and smiled. He shook his head and lifted his hands to heaven. He sprinted out of the woods and retrieved the horse. Without telling his men, David galloped to Nabal's home. It was late, and the stars were brightly arrayed over the horizon. David rode to Abigail's home and looked up. Abigail was once again sitting at her window. Do you see what's been happening? David has already been making it a habit to take someone else's wife.

Michael was married to another man and David took her away from him. Abigail had just been widowed and David wooed her. David's patterns have been subtle and under the radar, but now we are seeing the accumulation of seemingly small decisions and we are realizing that David has been ignoring those clues.

Up until now, David seemed to be immune to the entitlement of the throne. But in his weakened and inebriated state, we see his character slip. He fell into the trap of, I deserve this, and I work hard enough to indulge every once in a while. This is how sin often begins, with entitlement. For whatever reason, our hearts can convince themselves that they deserve to indulge no matter who gets hurt.

David's mind is made up, and he sins for Bathsheba. She obeys, but we must not mistake what's happening here for a mutual affair. David is the most powerful man in the country. Ultimately, we don't know how Bathsheba felt about this. David used his status to bring her to him. At this point in the story, it is important for us to consider a few difficult things. It is hard to believe that Bathsheba's relationship with David was consensual.

Whether Bathsheba desired David or not, he used his status to lure her in. He was the king, and you don't disobey the king. Let's say Bathsheba didn't want to sleep with David. What choice does she have but to come when he calls? An often unspoken sin in this story is that David leveraged his title to get a woman to do what he wanted. He put her in a vulnerable position, and God's anger will be kindled against him for it.

David took advantage of Bathsheba and there is no way around it. We do not know her state of mind, but the fact is she didn't have a choice either way. Let this hideous sin be a reminder that nobody is immune to sin and pride, not even the giant slayer himself. As terrible as David's affair was, it was not even his most egregious sin. After failing to cover up his sin, he sent Uriah to the front lines to be killed.

David was safe from the judgment of man, all the while invoking the judgment of God. One of the worst parts about this episode is that even after his night with Bathsheba, we are given this sense that the death of Uriah could have been avoided. Remember when God saved David from joining forces with the Philistines? God has proven time and time again to David that he will deliver him from his poor decisions.

But David refuses to reach up to God. He refuses to ask for forgiveness. Instead, he frantically tries to cover up his mistakes. In this episode, King David bears an uncanny resemblance to King Saul. He wears a false smile. He uses a manipulative tone. And he refuses to face God like a man. David has forgotten who he is, which is exemplified in all the references to his royal robes.

Did you notice that? He is wearing his royal robes and not the ones Jonathan gave him. This was a smaller reminder that David had forgotten the shepherd who sang to God. The blood of Uriah was on his hands, but David continued lying to everyone and himself. Self-deception is a powerful thing. Our minds do not like the stress of guilt, so we come up with all sorts of excuses and distractions to keep us from feeling shame.

David was living as if he hadn't just gotten another man's wife pregnant and then killed him to cover it up.

Can I say something slightly uncomfortable for a moment? I promise it will lead us to a good place. Back then, it was a king's prerogative to take whoever he wanted and kill whoever he wanted. It wasn't right, but it was not uncommon for a king in those days to take other men's wives and kill them. Since this was a monarchy and not a democracy, nobody held the king accountable.

Kings of other nations would get away with something like this because it was commonplace, but not the king of God's nation, not God's chosen hero. Perhaps speaking from personal experience, David's son Solomon said, God loves David too much to let him get away with his sin.

The episode continued down a tragic course. Nathan confronts David by telling him about a rich man who took a poor man's lamb. The king's outrage revealed just how ignorant he was to his own sin. This is an important lesson for us. When we cut out the voice of God in our hearts, the outrage we are supposed to have toward our own sin is pointed at others. David recognized the sin of the rich man, but had no clue it was really about him.

Nathan gave David a chilling rebuke, followed by a curse.

Behold, the sword shall never depart from your house because of the violence you enacted against Uriah. Violence will plague your household and strife will come upon you. I will raise up evil against you out of your own home. Your wives will scorn you and take on other lovers, and they will do so publicly and in the sun. For you did it secretly, but I will punish you before all Israel.

This curse will turn out to be true. Violence is going to plague his household, and David will find himself drowning in a sea of his own mistakes. At this point in the story, we're getting too many flashbacks to King Saul. David has become just like him, corrupt, selfish, and ignorant to his own pride.

Is hope lost for our hero? Is he destined to fade away into darkness like Saul did? No. In fact, we're reminded about some of the main differences between David and Saul. David, when faced with this sin, repents immediately. He is despondent, repentant, and completely submissive to God's correction.

It has often been said that the maturity of our faith isn't always measured in how often we sin, but how long it takes us to repent after we have sinned. David's heart is reconnected with God's, and they begin to rebuild their fractured relationship. David will still need to answer for his sins. Tragedy will befall his household, and David's weakened character may prove to make it worse.

I wish I could say our story gets brighter from here, but it doesn't. There's more darkness to walk through before we see any light. Join us next time for episode 25, The Exiled Son.

Thanks again for listening. For more inspiring stories, daily prayers, and wisdom to last a lifetime, go to Pray.com. And to expand your Heroes in the Bible journey, download the Heroes of the Faith devotional at TonyEvans.org forward slash heroes. Follow the podcast on Apple or Spotify to get the newest episodes right as they come out and always be inspired by the Bible. God bless.

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