College Press Bible Study Textbook Series
2 Samuel 11 - Introduction
A DIGEST OF CHAPTER 11
David's sin with Bathsheba. David was in Jerusalem while his army was besieging Rabbah in Ammon. He was attracted to Bathsheba, the wife of Uriah, one of his soldiers. He brought her to his court and committed adultery with her,
David's attempt to cover his sin. In an effort to hide the fact that Bathsheba was to bear a child which David had fathered, he called Uriah to Jerusalem from the field of battle. He attempted to get him to go to his own house while he was in Jerusalem, but Uriah refused and thwarted David's attempt to make it appear that the child was Uriah'S.
Uriah killed in battle. A last desperate effort was made by David. Uriah carried instructions back to Joab which resulted in his own death. Uriah was sent to the front of the battle near the city walls, and then Joab ordered the other troops to withdraw. Uriah fought valiantly on and was killed.
Bathsheba becomes David's wife. As a widow, Bathsheba was free to marry David. After the period of mourning for Uriah was ended, Bathsheba became David's wife.
LESSONS FOR LEARNING
1.
In idle brain is the Devil's workshop. The armies of Israel were in the field, but their leader was at home in Jerusalem. In this period of idleness, David was lured into a trap which meant the ultimate downfall of his period of prosperity. No doubt he may have wished many times that he had been in the field of battle rather than free to walk on the walls of his palace in Jerusalem. We need to be busy for the Lord, lest in our periods of laxity we are led into sin.
2.
Sin bears compound interest. After adultery came the enticing of a man to become drunk and ultimately the committing of murder. One sin led to another. As it was with David, so it is often in the everyday life of a Christian. The wages of sin, of course, is death (Romans 6:23 b).
3.
So they wrap it up (Micah 7:3). The devious ways of a sinner are so intertwined and so interwoven that it is difficult to discern his path. David's sinful ways were so camouflaged that the man on the street did not know what was happening. Only the pure white light of God renders accurate judgment on such devious ways.
CHAPTER 11 IN REVIEW
1.
What city of Ammon did Israel besiege?
_____
2.
Where did David abide?
_____
3.
Who was Bathsheba's husband?
_____
4.
What was her father's name?
_____
5.
What was Uriah's nationality?
_____
6.
How many nights did Uriah spend in Jerusalem?
_____
7.
How was Uriah killed?
_____
8.
What man in Israel's earlier history had died beneath a city wall?
_____
9.
Did Bathsheba mourn for her husband?
_____
10.
Did David marry Bathsheba?
_____