2 Samuel 11

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TALKS FOR GROWING CHRISTIANS

David’s Sins of Adultery and Murder

BACKGROUND NOTES



DOCTRINAL POINT(S)

  1. Leisure misused gives opportunity to sin.

  2. Lust conceived gives birth to sin.

PRACTICAL APPLICATION

  1. Don’t neglect the weightier matters of the Law.

QUESTIONS

  1. How does this sad chapter support the authenticity of the Bible?

  2. How did David hope to cover up his sin with Bathsheba?

  3. List the downward steps that David took toward sin.

  4. What further steps did David take to cover up his sin?

ANSWERS

  1. The Bible tells history as it happened. It does not hide the faults of its heroes.

  2. David called Uriah back to Jerusalem from the front lines of battle. He was trying to make it appear that Bathsheba got pregnant when Uriah was home on leave. But Uriah would not go home to his wife while a battle raged elsewhere.

  3. 1) He saw Bathsheba bathing.
    2) He inquired about beautiful Bathsheba.
    3) He brought Bathsheba to the palace.
    4) He committed adultery with Bathsheba.

  4. He conceived the murder of Uriah by planning to make it appear that he was struck down in battle. In reality, David conspired with Joab to have Uriah abandoned by his fellow soldiers.

DISCUSS/CONSIDER

  1. You may think your life is too busy for you to get into trouble in your leisure time. But studies show that modern Americans have more leisure time than ever before. What wholesome activities do you turn to to fill your leisure time? Do you believe that leisure misused could give you opportunity to sin?

  2. Read James 1:15. Lust is not an easy topic for believers to discuss, but it is a very real problem. Discuss some of the consequences of lust for a believer and his or her family.

CHALLENGE

  1. David and Bathsheba followed the laws of purification and mourning, although they were guilty of adultery and murder. Are you guilty of sin while on the surface you are following the rules? Don’t neglect the weightier matters of the law.

KEY VERSES

  • “It happened in the spring of the year, at the time when kings go out to battle, that David sent Joab and his servants with him… But David remained at Jerusalem.” 2 Samuel 11:1

  • “And from the roof he saw a woman bathing, and the woman was very beautiful to behold.” 2 Samuel 11:2

  • “Set Uriah in the forefront of the hottest battle, and retreat from him, that he may be struck down and die.” 2 Samuel 11:15

  • “But the thing that David had done displeased the LORD.” 2 Samuel 11:27

2 Samuel, Old Testament, TalksRon Reid2 SAMUEL 11