DAVID BEN JESSE PART FOUR!

 

Sunday, September 13, 2020

 

DAVID BEN JESSE PART FOUR!

BATHSHEBA

2 Sam 11:1-2

11 And 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.

2 And it came to pass in an eveningtide, that David arose from off his bed, and walked upon the roof of the king's house: and from the roof he saw a woman washing herself; and the woman was very beautiful to look upon.

 

           We re not told why David remained in Jerusalem when he should have been leading his men in battle. Perhaps he was just tired. His military leaders had destroyed Ammon and were doing well. Perhaps there was simply a sense of privilege coupled with a bit of boredom. We are only given hints.

 

           David had taken his rest on his bed and decided on a walk upon the rooftop patio that offered a sunset view of the city. All the questions about Bathsheba’s contribution to this sin are not answered for us. Was she putting on a lustful show for her neighbor or was she simply bathing in what she thought was a private setting. We are never told.

 

           David could not disconnect from this pleasant view and his mind began to build scenarios that did not include a lifetime of trouble. He sent for her! Was he not the king? Did he not have certain privileges unavailable to other men? So, leaders often think as they follow a path of pain.

 

           Bathsheba came. Was she a captive? Did she not have the right to refuse? Again, we are not told these important answers but, like most sins, the clean-up afterward is the difficult part.

 

           I see some striking warnings for all of us. [1] If duty requires you to be in a certain place, do not be any other place. [2] Avoid thinking of yourself as special or privileged. It is a trap. [3] Guard what your eyes see. This is especially true for men because we are enticed by “the lust of the eyes.” [4] You don’t have to say yes to every invitation. [5] You reap what you sow. You reap more than you sow and later than you sow.

 

Matt 5:28-29

28 But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.

29 And if thy right eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell.

 

Lord, protect your servants from the surprising glance. Keep a guard at the door of my eyes. AMEN