Ahithophel’s Advice Is Eliminated

Having successfully convinced Absalom and the people to delay attacking Davd until they God organized, Hushai contacted the priests to get a message to David letting him know what was going on and warning him to get across the Jordan before Absalom’s forces caught him, in II Samuel 17:15-16.  

“Then said Hushai unto Zadok and to Abiathar the priests, Thus and thus did Ahithophel counsel Absalom and the elders of Israel; and thus and thus have I counselled.  Now therefore send quickly, and tell David, saying, Lodge not this night in the plains of the wilderness, but speedily pass over; lest the king be swallowed up, and all the people that are with him.”

The priests had agreed to allow their sons serve as messengers, and fearing they would be stopped the two boys were waiting a short distance away, at Enrogel.  The priests sent a servant girl to give them the message.  A boy spotted them and reported it, but they were able to escape and hide themselves, in II Samuel 17:17-19.  “Now Jonathan and Ahimaaz stayed by Enrogel; for they might not be seen to come into the city: and a wench went and told them; and they went and told king David.  Nevertheless a lad saw them, and told Absalom: but they went both of them away quickly, and came to a man's house in Bahurim, which had a well in his court; whither they went down.  And the woman took and spread a covering over the well's mouth, and spread ground corn thereon; and the thing was not known.”

The house where they hid was sympathetic to David, and had the boys hide in their well.  they then covered the well and spread a bundh of ground grain around, making it appear to be where they normally ground the crops, so no one would suspect the well was there.  The ruse worked, and Absalom’s searchers were told they had gone a different direction.  Once they were gone, the boys made their way to David’s camp and gave him the message, in II Samuel 17:20-22.  “And when Absalom's servants came to the woman to the house, they said, Where is Ahimaaz and Jonathan? And the woman said unto them, They be gone over the brook of water. And when they had sought and could not find them, they returned to Jerusalem.  

And it came to pass, after they were departed, that they came up out of the well, and went and told king David, and said unto David, Arise, and pass quickly over the water: for thus hath Ahithophel counselled against you.  Then David arose, and all the people that were with him, and they passed over Jordan: by the morning light there lacked not one of them that was not gone over Jordan.”  David acted immediately, and by daylight, his entire force had crossed the Jordan. 

Knowing thsat the delay would give David and his army tome to get ready, and that his advice to Absalom would be considered treason if David escaped, Ahithophel went home and made preparations for his family before committing suicide, in II Samuel 17:23.  “And when Ahithophel saw that his counsel was not followed, he saddled his ass, and arose, and gat him home to his house, to his city, and put his household in order, and hanged himself, and died, and was buried in the sepulchre of his father.”   Ahithophel knew that David’s men were experienced campaigners, and with a little preparation, would be able to defend themselves against an attack by inexperienced troops.  He knew that for treason he would be put to death, and preferred to avoid the indignity.  His suicide eliminated one of David’s worst fears, leaving Absalom without a valuable advisor. 

Absalom and his followers crossed the Jordan and camped on the east side, where he put Amasa, a distant relative of Joab’s in as general to lead his army.    David and his supporters went north to Mananaim, where they were met by a three groups who brought supplies for him and his men.  One of these was the son o fthe Ammonite king David had defeated, as we see in II Samuel 17:24-29.  “Then David came to Mahanaim. And Absalom passed over Jordan, he and all the men of Israel with him.  And Absalom made Amasa captain of the host instead of Joab: which Amasa was a man's son, whose name was Ithra an Israelite, that went in to Abigail the daughter of Nahash, sister to Zeruiah Joab's mother.  So Israel and Absalom pitched in the land of Gilead.

And it came to pass, when David was come to Mahanaim, that Shobi the son of Nahash of Rabbah of the children of Ammon, and Machir the son of Ammiel of Lodebar, and Barzillai the Gileadite of Rogelim,  Brought beds, and basins, and earthen vessels, and wheat, and barley, and flour, and parched corn, and beans, and lentiles, and parched pulse, And honey, and butter, and sheep, and cheese of kine, for David, and for the people that were with him, to eat: for they said, The people is hungry, and weary, and thirsty, in the wilderness.”

While Absalom had gotten the support of political leaders and many of the people around Jerusalem and Judah, he had not reached the majority of the people, and many did not understand what he was trying to do.  As they began tounderstand, they stood up for David.  Ahithophel had understood this and knew the conspiracy’s success depended on killing David before the people figured out what was going on.  If the people rallied around David, it would be almost impossible to defeat him. 

An Answer To Prayer

II Samuel 16:23 tells us, “And the counsel of Ahithophel, which he counselled in those days, was as if a man had inquired at the oracle of God: so was all the counsel of Ahithophel both with David and with Absalom.”   Because of his deep understanding of human nature and thinking, Ahithophel’s advice was almost never wrong.  He advised Absalom to allow him to take a small group and try to assignate David immediately, before his supporters could get organized to protect him, in II Samuel 17:1-4.  “Moreover Ahithophel said unto Absalom, Let me now choose out twelve thousand men, and I will arise and pursue after David this night: And I will come upon him while he is weary and weak handed, and will make him afraid: and all the people that are with him shall flee; and I will smite the king only: And I will bring back all the people unto thee: the man whom thou seekest is as if all returned: so all the people shall be in peace.  And the saying pleased Absalom well, and all the elders of Israel.” If Ahithophel successfully killed David, there would be no choice but for everyone to accept Absalom as king.  There would be no reason for a civil war. 

Though Ahithophel’s advice sounded really good, Absalom decided to check with Hushai, who knew David far better than Ahithophel did.  Hushai recommended they wait and make sure they were ready because David and his men were experienced soldiers and were unlikely to be caught off guard, in II Samuel 17:5-13.  “Then said Absalom, Call now Hushai the Archite also, and let us hear likewise what he saith.  And when Hushai was come to Absalom, Absalom spake unto him, saying, Ahithophel hath spoken after this manner: shall we do after his saying? if not; speak thou.

And Hushai said unto Absalom, The counsel that Ahithophel hath given is not good at this time.  For, said Hushai, thou knowest thy father and his men, that they be mighty men, and they be chafed in their minds, as a bear robbed of her whelps in the field: and thy father is a man of war, and will not lodge with the people.  Behold, he is hid now in some pit, or in some other place: and it will come to pass, when some of them be overthrown at the first, that whosoever heareth it will say, There is a slaughter among the people that follow Absalom.  And he also that is valiant, whose heart is as the heart of a lion, shall utterly melt: for all Israel knoweth that thy father is a mighty man, and they which be with him are valiant men.

Therefore I counsel that all Israel be generally gathered unto thee, from Dan even to Beersheba, as the sand that is by the sea for multitude; and that thou go to battle in thine own person.  So shall we come upon him in some place where he shall be found, and we will light upon him as the dew falleth on the ground: and of him and of all the men that are with him there shall not be left so much as one.  Moreover, if he be gotten into a city, then shall all Israel bring ropes to that city, and we will draw it into the river, until there be not one small stone found there.”  Even a minor delay could spoil the effect of Ahithophels plan, but if they waited until they were properly organized, Hushai said they could ensure victory, even to the point of completely destroying a city if they tried to protect David. 

Everybody was familiar with the stories about David fleeing from Saul and had seen the victories over other nations, led by Joab and Davids mighty men.   They thought the chances of catching David off guard would be very small and thought it would be better to wait as hushai said, as II Samuel 17:14 states.  “And Absalom and all the men of Israel said, The counsel of Hushai the Archite is better than the counsel of Ahithophel. For the LORD had appointed to defeat the good counsel of Ahithophel, to the intent that the LORD might bring evil upon Absalom. “

David had prayed that God would send someone to make Ahithophel’s advice seem poor, and God had sent Hushai to meet David,  David had asked hin to do what he could to offset Ahithophel’s advice.  Ahithophel had been right that if the attacked right then David’s forces would be unprepared and might easily be defeated.  Hushai realized this as well, and played on David’s reputation to persuade them to wait, giving David time to get organized.  It was the answer to David’s prayers. 

False Accusations

Though David had gone out of his way for years to avoid conflict with him, one of Saul’s relatives blamed David for his death.   When Absalom staged a coup against his father, Shimei publically declared that it was God’s way of punishing him for what he had done to Saul, in II Samuel 16:5-8.  “And when king David came to Bahurim, behold, thence came out a man of the family of the house of Saul, whose name was Shimei, the son of Gera: he came forth, and cursed still as he came.  And he cast stones at David, and at all the servants of king David: and all the people and all the mighty men were on his right hand and on his left.  And thus said Shimei when he cursed, Come out, come out, thou bloody man, and thou man of Belial: The LORD hath returned upon thee all the blood of the house of Saul, in whose stead thou hast reigned; and the LORD hath delivered the kingdom into the hand of Absalom thy son: and, behold, thou art taken in thy mischief, because thou art a bloody man.”

David’s cousin Abishai was offended by the accusations Shimei made and offered to shut him up permanently.  David was reminded again how violent and unforgiving his cousins were, and forbid killing him.  As David told him, it was just words, while Absalom was actively seeking to kill him.   Shimei was like a fly buzzing around, annoying, but not important, and they must not allow him to distract them from following God.   II Samuel 16:9-14 describes David’s response.  “Then said Abishai the son of Zeruiah unto the king, Why should this dead dog curse my lord the king? let me go over, I pray thee, and take off his head.

And the king said, What have I to do with you, ye sons of Zeruiah? so let him curse, because the LORD hath said unto him, Curse David. Who shall then say, Wherefore hast thou done so?  And David said to Abishai, and to all his servants, Behold, my son, which came forth of my bowels, seeketh my life: how much more now may this Benjamite do it? let him alone, and let him curse; for the LORD hath bidden him.  It may be that the LORD will look on mine affliction, and that the LORD will requite me good for his cursing this day.  And as David and his men went by the way, Shimei went along on the hill's side over against him, and cursed as he went, and threw stones at him, and cast dust.  And the king, and all the people that were with him, came weary, and refreshed themselves there.”

While David and his supporters paused for a short preak a few miles out of Jerusalem, Absalom’s forces entered the city, where they were met by David’s friend, Hushai.  Knowing that friendship, Absalom questioned why Hushai’s motives.  Hushai made the point that he was a patriot who cared about Israel and would do his best regardless who was king, in II Samuel 16:15-19.  “And Absalom, and all the people the men of Israel, came to Jerusalem, and Ahithophel with him.  And it came to pass, when Hushai the Archite, David's friend, was come unto Absalom, that Hushai said unto Absalom, God save the king, God save the king.

And Absalom said to Hushai, Is this thy kindness to thy friend? why wentest thou not with thy friend?

And Hushai said unto Absalom, Nay; but whom the LORD, and this people, and all the men of Israel, choose, his will I be, and with him will I abide.  And again, whom should I serve? should I not serve in the presence of his son? as I have served in thy father's presence, so will I be in thy presence.”

Accepting Hushai’s statement, Absalom asked Ahithophel and Hushai what they thought he should do next, in II Samuel 16:20-22.  “Then said Absalom to Ahithophel, Give counsel among you what we shall do.

And Ahithophel said unto Absalom, Go in unto thy father's concubines, which he hath left to keep the house; and all Israel shall hear that thou art abhorred of thy father: then shall the hands of all that are with thee be strong.  So they spread Absalom a tent upon the top of the house; and Absalom went in unto his father's concubines in the sight of all Israel.”

Ahithophel advised Absalom to commit incest with David’s various concubines to eliminate any possibility of reconciliation with David’s forces.  Absalom had murdered his brother for doing the same thing to his sister he now did to David’s common law wives or mistresses.   Knowing what was going on would leave the people with a sense of guilt for allowing it that would make it far harder for them to face David.  They would feel they had no option but to follow Absalom.  II Samuel 16:23 tells us, “And the counsel of Ahithophel, which he counselled in those days, was as if a man had inquired at the oracle of God: so was all the counsel of Ahithophel both with David and with Absalom.”  Ahithophel had a very good understanding of human nature and was hardly ever wrong. 

David’s Loyal Supporters

David’s supporters promised to follow what ever he said, so leaving ten of his mistresses to take care of things, he left the city, in II Samuel 15:15-18.  “And the king's servants said unto the king, Behold, thy servants are ready to do whatsoever my lord the king shall appoint.  And the king went forth, and all his household after him. And the king left ten women, which were concubines, to keep the house.  And the king went forth, and all the people after him, and tarried in a place that was far off.  And all his servants passed on beside him; and all the Cherethites, and all the Pelethites, and all the Gittites, six hundred men which came after him from Gath, passed on before the king.”

One of David’s supporters was a philistine from Gath named Ittai.  He was an older man, who had only come to Israel a few years before, and his status would probably not change much regardless who was king.  David suggested he go home and avoid the hardships the others might suffer, in II Samuel 15:19-20.  “Then said the king to Ittai the Gittite, Wherefore goest thou also with us? return to thy place, and abide with the king: for thou art a stranger, and also an exile.  Whereas thou camest but yesterday, should I this day make thee go up and down with us? seeing I go whither I may, return thou, and take back thy brethren: mercy and truth be with thee.”

Ittai declared that he was going to support David, even if it cost his life, so David accepted his support, in II Samuel 15:21-22.  “And Ittai answered the king, and said, As the LORD liveth, and as my lord the king liveth, surely in what place my lord the king shall be, whether in death or life, even there also will thy servant be.

And David said to Ittai, Go and pass over. And Ittai the Gittite passed over, and all his men, and all the little ones that were with him.”

While Absalom had managed to get a large political following, there were a great many who supported David.  The priests and Levites went out to support David, but he reminded them their responsibility was to continue to serve God.  If it was God’s will for David to continue as king, he would be back, but what ever happened, they were still to serve the Lord.  Their most valuable contribution to Daid would be to keep him informed as to what was going on.  II Samuel 15:23-28 describes his conversation with them.  “And all the country wept with a loud voice, and all the people passed over: the king also himself passed over the brook Kidron, and all the people passed over, toward the way of the wilderness.  And lo Zadok also, and all the Levites were with him, bearing the ark of the covenant of God: and they set down the ark of God; and Abiathar went up, until all the people had done passing out of the city.

And the king said unto Zadok, Carry back the ark of God into the city: if I shall find favour in the eyes of the LORD, he will bring me again, and show me both it, and his habitation: But if he thus say, I have no delight in thee; behold, here am I, let him do to me as seemeth good unto him.  The king said also unto Zadok the priest, Art not thou a seer? return into the city in peace, and your two sons with you, Ahimaaz thy son, and Jonathan the son of Abiathar.  See, I will tarry in the plain of the wilderness, until there come word from you to certify me.  Zadok therefore and Abiathar carried the ark of God again to Jerusalem: and they tarried there.”

David had not even passed the Mount of Olives when he learned that one of his most trusted advisors, Ahithophel, had defected, as II Samuel 15:30-31 tells us.  “And David went up by the ascent of mount Olivet, and wept as he went up, and had his head covered, and he went barefoot: and all the people that was with him covered every man his head, and they went up, weeping as they went up.  And one told David, saying, Ahithophel is among the conspirators with Absalom. And David said, O LORD, I pray thee, turn the counsel of Ahithophel into foolishness.”

Knowing how dependable and wise Ahithophel’s advice always was, David stopped at the top of the mount to worship God and pray that he would make Absalom ignore his advice.  While he was there, another of his advisors met him.  He was an older man and David feared the hardships might be too much for him, and David asked him to see what he could do to counter Ahithophel’s advice.  Hushai agreed to try, and went back, as II Samuel 15:32-36 tells us.  “And it came to pass, that when David was come to the top of the mount, where he worshipped God, behold, Hushai the Archite came to meet him with his coat rent, and earth upon his head: Unto whom David said, If thou passest on with me, then thou shalt be a burden unto me: But if thou return to the city, and say unto Absalom, I will be thy servant, O king; as I have been thy father's servant hitherto, so will I now also be thy servant: then mayest thou for me defeat the counsel of Ahithophel.

And hast thou not there with thee Zadok and Abiathar the priests? therefore it shall be, that what thing soever thou shalt hear out of the king's house, thou shalt tell it to Zadok and Abiathar the priests.  Behold, they have there with them their two sons, Ahimaaz Zadok's son, and Jonathan Abiathar's son; and by them ye shall send unto me every thing that ye can hear.  So Hushai David's friend came into the city, and Absalom came into Jerusalem.”

Saul had been a bitter enemy to David, but just a short distance past the Mount of Olives, Saul’s former servant, Ziba caught up with him.  Knowing David had not had time to make preparations, Ziba brought all the food he could readily prepare, in II Samuel 16:1-2, as well as donkeys for David’s family.  “And when David was a little past the top of the hill, behold, Ziba the servant of Mephibosheth met him, with a couple of asses saddled, and upon them two hundred loaves of bread, and an hundred bunches of raisins, and an hundred of summer fruits, and a bottle of wine.

And the king said unto Ziba, What meanest thou by these?

And Ziba said, The asses be for the king's household to ride on; and the bread and summer fruit for the young men to eat; and the wine, that such as be faint in the wilderness may drink.”

David appreciated the supplies and asked where Mephibosheth was, since he was Saul’s heir, in II Samuel 16:3-4.  “And the king said, And where is thy master's son? And Ziba said unto the king, Behold, he abideth at Jerusalem: for he said, To day shall the house of Israel restore me the kingdom of my father.

Then said the king to Ziba, Behold, thine are all that pertained unto Mephibosheth. And Ziba said, I humbly beseech thee that I may find grace in thy sight, my lord, O king.”   David had freely returned all Saul’s property to Mephibosheth, while treating him as his own son.  When Ziba accused him of remaining behind in hopes of being made king, David was upset and promised all Saul’s property to Ziba instead. 

Absalom Rebells

Impatient at the delays in working things out with father, and fearing he might name one of the other brothers as king. Absalonm decided to supplant David and usurp the throne.  II Samuel 15:1-6 describes the political actions he took to get people to support him.  “And it came to pass after this, that Absalom prepared him chariots and horses, and fifty men to run before him.  And Absalom rose up early, and stood beside the way of the gate: and it was so, that when any man that had a controversy came to the king for judgment, then Absalom called unto him, and said, Of what city art thou? And he said, Thy servant is of one of the tribes of Israel.

And Absalom said unto him, See, thy matters are good and right; but there is no man deputed of the king to hear thee.  Absalom said moreover, Oh that I were made judge in the land, that every man which hath any suit or cause might come unto me, and I would do him justice!  And it was so, that when any man came nigh to him to do him obeisance, he put forth his hand, and took him, and kissed him.  And on this manner did Absalom to all Israel that came to the king for judgment: so Absalom stole the hearts of the men of Israel.”

To make himself look important, Absalom hired fifty men to travel around with him, and chariots to haul them around. Like other politicians, he made a point of shaking hands with everyone and kissing all the babies, promising to give everyone what they wanted and blaming David for all the problems.  As so often happens, many people went for Absalom’s promises, never considering whether it would be possible to keep them.

By the time he was forty, Absalom thought he had enough people behind him to take over.  To cover what he was doing, he told David he had made a vow to offer sacrifices if God allowed him to return to Jerusalem and be reunited with his father, in II Samuel 15:7-8.  “And it came to pass after forty years, that Absalom said unto the king, I pray thee, let me go and pay my vow, which I have vowed unto the LORD, in Hebron.  For thy servant vowed a vow while I abode at Geshur in Syria, saying, If the LORD shall bring me again indeed to Jerusalem, then I will serve the LORD.”

Suspecting nothing, David encouraged him to go.  Absalom used the trip to get his supporters together and declare him king, in II Samuel 15:9-12.  “And the king said unto him, Go in peace. So he arose, and went to Hebron.  But Absalom sent spies throughout all the tribes of Israel, saying, As soon as ye hear the sound of the trumpet, then ye shall say, Absalom reigneth in Hebron.  And with Absalom went two hundred men out of Jerusalem, that were called; and they went in their simplicity, and they knew not any thing.  And Absalom sent for Ahithophel the Gilonite, David's counsellor, from his city, even from Giloh, while he offered sacrifices. And the conspiracy was strong; for the people increased continually with Absalom.”

Even some of David’s trusted advisors had joined forces with Absalom.  Knowing Absalom had murdered his own brother, when David learned of the conspiracy, he had no doubt Absalom would kill him as well, as II Samuel 15:13-14 tells us.  “And there came a messenger to David, saying, The hearts of the men of Israel are after Absalom.  And David said unto all his servants that were with him at Jerusalem, Arise, and let us flee; for we shall not else escape from Absalom: make speed to depart, lest he overtake us suddenly, and bring evil upon us, and smite the city with the edge of the sword.”

With little time to prpare, it would be difficult to prepare proper defenses, and the city might well be taken.  In his efforts to get his own way, David feared Absalom might well kill everyone in the city.  To withdraw would give them time to prepare their defenses and remove any reason for destroying the city, possibly saving many lives.   While it might seem like giving up, strategically it would be necessary if they were to ultimately win.       

Trying To Force Reconciliation

The wise woman from Tekoa convinced David he was being hypocritical in allowing her son to go unpunished whildhis own son was not free to return home.  He directed Joab to bring Absalom home, in II Samuel 14:21-24.   And the king said unto Joab, Behold now, I have done this thing: go therefore, bring the young man Absalom again.

And Joab fell to the ground on his face, and bowed himself, and thanked the king: and Joab said, To day thy servant knoweth that I have found grace in thy sight, my lord, O king, in that the king hath fulfilled the request of his servant.  So Joab arose and went to Geshur, and brought Absalom to Jerusalem.

And the king said, Let him turn to his own house, and let him not see my face. So Absalom returned to his own house, and saw not the king's face.”

While David longed for a relationship with his son like he had had in the past, sight of him reminded him of what he had done.   Many people think forgiveness makes it like the wounds never happened.  When we forgive someone, we stop dwelling on what they have done that hurt us, but the wounds remain, and until they heal completely, it may be hard to associate with the person who caused them.    Even after they heal, the wounds may be somewhat tender and painful for years.  Unfortunately, people who have caused injuries often ignore this fact, assuming everything is okay, and acting as if nothing had ever happened.  They often get upset, feeling the person’s efforts to prevent being hurt again means he hasn’t forgiven them and begin to blame them for their estrangement. 

Absalom was a very popular and handsome man, and somewhat vain, as II Samuel 14:25-27 tells us.   “2sa 14:25 But in all Israel there was none to be so much praised as Absalom for his beauty: from the sole of his foot even to the crown of his head there was no blemish in him.   And when he polled his head, (for it was at every year's end that he polled it: because the hair was heavy on him, therefore he polled it:) he weighed the hair of his head at two hundred shekels after the king's weight.   And unto Absalom there were born three sons, and one daughter, whose name was Tamar: she was a woman of a fair countenance.”

After two years, Absalom got upset that David still hesitated to see him and demanded Joab make it happen.  Angry at being ignored, he took action to force Joab to act, in II Samuel 14:28-31.  “So Absalom dwelt two full years in Jerusalem, and saw not the king's face.  Therefore Absalom sent for Joab, to have sent him to the king; but he would not come to him: and when he sent again the second time, he would not come.  Therefore he said unto his servants, See, Joab's field is near mine, and he hath barley there; go and set it on fire. And Absalom's servants set the field on fire.”

Joab was angry about the burning of his fields, but it got his attention, as II Samuel 14:31-describes.  “Then Joab arose, and came to Absalom unto his house, and said unto him, Wherefore have thy servants set my field on fire?

And Absalom answered Joab, Behold, I sent unto thee, saying, Come hither, that I may send thee to the king, to say, Wherefore am I come from Geshur? it had been good for me to have been there still: now therefore let me see the king's face; and if there be any iniquity in me, let him kill me.”

Determined to force David to forgive him, and unwilling to wait for omplete healing, Absalom demanded that Joab get him an audience with his father.    Joab did so, and it appeared everything was okay for time, as we see in II Samuel 14:33.  “So Joab came to the king, and told him: and when he had called for Absalom, he came to the king, and bowed himself on his face to the ground before the king: and the king kissed Absalom.” 

Emotional healing has to come naturally just as physical healing does, and efforts to rush it often postpone or prevent proper healing.  Realizing his father had not voluntarily called for him, Absalom will turn against hs father.  Frequently we see the same thing happen in a marriage where one mate has had an affair.  When the injured party does not respond fast enough to suit them, the guilty party frequently filse for divorce blaming their mate for not forgiving them.  They forget he has been hurt, and is under no obligation to take them back.

Joab Attempts To Reconcile David And Absalom

After killing his brother, Absalom lived in exile in Gesur for three years.  During that time, David grieved the loss of both Amnon and Absalom, but he had accepted Amnon’s death.  He still longed to be with Absalom, almost to the point of going to Geshur to see him.  David’s cousin Joab was aware of David’s longing for his son.   He hired a woman to tell a story similar to Absalom’s in and effort to convince David to work things out with Absalom, in II Samuel 14:1-11.  “Now Joab the son of Zeruiah perceived that the king's heart was toward Absalom.  And Joab sent to Tekoah, and fetched thence a wise woman, and said unto her, I pray thee, feign thyself to be a mourner, and put on now mourning apparel, and anoint not thyself with oil, but be as a woman that had a long time mourned for the dead: And come to the king, and speak on this manner unto him. So Joab put the words in her mouth.

And when the woman of Tekoah spake to the king, she fell on her face to the ground, and did obeisance, and said, Help, O king.

And the king said unto her, What aileth thee?

And she answered, I am indeed a widow woman, and mine husband is dead.  And thy handmaid had two sons, and they two strove together in the field, and there was none to part them, but the one smote the other, and slew him.  And, behold, the whole family is risen against thine handmaid, and they said, Deliver him that smote his brother, that we may kill him, for the life of his brother whom he slew; and we will destroy the heir also: and so they shall quench my coal which is left, and shall not leave to my husband neither name nor remainder upon the earth.

And the king said unto the woman, Go to thine house, and I will give charge concerning thee.

And the woman of Tekoah said unto the king, My lord, O king, the iniquity be on me, and on my father's house: and the king and his throne be guiltless.

And the king said, Whosoever saith ought unto thee, bring him to me, and he shall not touch thee any more.

Then said she, I pray thee, let the king remember the LORD thy God, that thou wouldest not suffer the revengers of blood to destroy any more, lest they destroy my son.

And he said, As the LORD liveth, there shall not one hair of thy son fall to the earth.”

Under the law a person who committed murder was to be executed without hesitation.  The woman’s story was that one of her sons had killed the other and now she was worried that if they executed him there would be no one to carry on the family name or genes.  She offered to accept responsibility before God for David’s allowing her son to get off.  David agreed to protect her son against the requirements of the law. 

This was exactly the issue that had held David back from going to Absalom.  When he agreed to save her son, the woman asked why he had not done the same for his own son, in II Samuel 14:12- 17.  “Then the woman said, Let thine handmaid, I pray thee, speak one word unto my lord the king.

And he said, Say on.

And the woman said, Wherefore then hast thou thought such a thing against the people of God? for the king doth speak this thing as one which is faulty, in that the king doth not fetch home again his banished.  For we must needs die, and are as water spilled on the ground, which cannot be gathered up again; neither doth God respect any person: yet doth he devise means, that his banished be not expelled from him.

Now therefore that I am come to speak of this thing unto my lord the king, it is because the people have made me afraid: and thy handmaid said, I will now speak unto the king; it may be that the king will perform the request of his handmaid.  For the king will hear, to deliver his handmaid out of the hand of the man that would destroy me and my son together out of the inheritance of God.  Then thine handmaid said, The word of my lord the king shall now be comfortable: for as an angel of God, so is my lord the king to discern good and bad: therefore the LORD thy God will be with thee.”

She implied that David’s failure to forgive Absalom would make people afraid to come to him for help about other things.  The people would be more comfortable with him knowing he was willing to forgive.  Knowing Joab, after hearing her story and what she said,  David suspected Joab was behind it, in II Samuel 14:18-20.  “Then the king answered and said unto the woman, Hide not from me, I pray thee, the thing that I shall ask thee.

And the woman said, Let my lord the king now speak.

And the king said, Is not the hand of Joab with thee in all this?

And the woman answered and said, As thy soul liveth, my lord the king, none can turn to the right hand or to the left from ought that my lord the king hath spoken: for thy servant Joab, he bade me, and he put all these words in the mouth of thine handmaid: To fetch about this form of speech hath thy servant Joab done this thing: and my lord is wise, according to the wisdom of an angel of God, to know all things that are in the earth.”

The woman admitted that Joab had put her up to it, and recognized David was wise to recognize that fact. 

Ongoing Effects Of Sin

Having satisfied his lust by raping his half sister Tamar, Amnon despised her and had her thrown out of his house.  Tamar was psychologically devastated by both the Rape and Amnon’s rejection afterward, as II Samuel 13:18-19 tells us.  “And she had a garment of divers colours upon her: for with such robes were the king's daughters that were virgins apparelled. Then his servant brought her out, and bolted the door after her.  And Tamar put ashes on her head, and rent her garment of divers colours that was on her, and laid her hand on her head, and went on crying.” 

Rape is both physically and emotionally traumatic, and many victims never fully recover.  The emotional trauma of being forced against one’s will is compounded by the ripping apart of the emotional bonds resulting from the sexual act.  Pshchologists say ripping those bonds apart is as emotionally devastating as having a limb amputated.  This is probably why Exodus 22:16-17 commands, “And if a man entice a maid that is not betrothed, and lie with her, he shall surely endow her to be his wife.  If her father utterly refuse to give her unto him, he shall pay money according to the dowry of virgins.”  Deuteronomy 22:28-29 gives a similar command.  “If a man find a damsel that is a virgin, which is not betrothed, and lay hold on her, and lie with her, and they be found; Then the man that lay with her shall give unto the damsel's father fifty shekels of silver, and she shall be his wife; because he hath humbled her, he may not put her away all his days.”

Tamar’s full brother Absalom realized how devastated she was and asked her to say with his family while she sorted things out, in II Samuel 13:20.  “And Absalom her brother said unto her, Hath Amnon thy brother been with thee? but hold now thy peace, my sister: he is thy brother; regard not this thing. So Tamar remained desolate in her brother Absalom's house.” 

David was outraged by what his eldest son had done, but his own sense of guilt prevented him from taking effective action, as II Samuel 13:21 tells us.  “But when king David heard of all these things, he was very wroth.”

Watching Tamar struggle with her emotions month after month and seeing Amnon apparently getting away with what he had done led to Absalom plotting to kill him, in II Samuel 13:22-29a.  “And Absalom spake unto his brother Amnon neither good nor bad: for Absalom hated Amnon, because he had forced his sister Tamar.  And it came to pass after two full years, that Absalom had sheepshearers in Baalhazor, which is beside Ephraim: and Absalom invited all the king's sons.  And Absalom came to the king, and said, Behold now, thy servant hath sheepshearers; let the king, I beseech thee, and his servants go with thy servant.

And the king said to Absalom, Nay, my son, let us not all now go, lest we be chargeable unto thee. And he pressed him: howbeit he would not go, but blessed him.

Then said Absalom, If not, I pray thee, let my brother Amnon go with us.

And the king said unto him, Why should he go with thee?

But Absalom pressed him, that he let Amnon and all the king's sons go with him.  Now Absalom had commanded his servants, saying, Mark ye now when Amnon's heart is merry with wine, and when I say unto you, Smite Amnon; then kill him, fear not: have not I commanded you? be courageous, and be valiant.  And the servants of Absalom did unto Amnon as Absalom had commanded….”

Sheep shearing was a very labor intensive process, requiring much help.  People came together to share in the work and enjoy being together.  Absalom decided to use this as an opportunity to get Amnon in a place where he could have him killed.  Not knowing what was going on, the other brothers assumed he intended to kill them all and fled.  As often happens, the initial reports exaggerated what had happened, in II Samuel 13:29b-31.  “Then all the king's sons arose, and every man gat him up upon his mule, and fled.  And it came to pass, while they were in the way, that tidings came to David, saying, Absalom hath slain all the king's sons, and there is not one of them left.  Then the king arose, and tare his garments, and lay on the earth; and all his servants stood by with their clothes rent.”

David was devastated at hearing his sons were dead, probably remembering Nathan’s prophecy in II Samuel 12:10b and blaming himself.  “…Now therefore the sword shall never depart from thine house; because thou hast despised me, and hast taken the wife of Uriah the Hittite to be thy wife.”    Absaloms cousin, his best buddy Jonadab knew what had happened and told David the reports were wrong and only Amnon had been killed, in II Samuel 13:32-33.  “And Jonadab, the son of Shimeah David's brother, answered and said, Let not my lord suppose that they have slain all the young men the king's sons; for Amnon only is dead: for by the appointment of Absalom this hath been determined from the day that he forced his sister Tamar.  Now therefore let not my lord the king take the thing to his heart, to think that all the king's sons are dead: for Amnon only is dead.”

Absalom feared his father would not overlook Amnon’s murder and fled.   A short time later, David’s sons arrived to prove Jonadab was right, as II Samuel 13:34-36 tells us.  “But Absalom fled.

And the young man that kept the watch lifted up his eyes, and looked, and, behold, there came much people by the way of the hill side behind him.

 And Jonadab said unto the king, Behold, the king's sons come: as thy servant said, so it is.  And it came to pass, as soon as he had made an end of speaking, that, behold, the king's sons came, and lifted up their voice and wept: and the king also and all his servants wept very sore.”  David and his people were relieved that only Amnon had been killed. 

Absalom fled to his maternal grandfather for protectioin.  David was able to accept Amnon’s death after little while, realizing it was a direct result of his own actions, and another fulfilling of the prophecy, but it was not all David’s fault.  He only set the stage by his example.   He was saddened by being separated from Absalom, thinking of him every day as II Samuel 13:37-39 tells us.  “But Absalom fled, and went to Talmai, the son of Ammihud, king of Geshur. And David mourned for his son every day.   So Absalom fled, and went to Geshur, and was there three years.  And the soul of king David longed to go forth unto Absalom: for he was comforted concerning Amnon, seeing he was dead.”

David’s Son Follows His Example

When David committed adultery with Bathsheba, he already had six wives and several children by them.  After he became king in Jerusalem, he had nine other boys by them, as well as four by Bathsheba.  In addition, he took a number of concubines or mistresses and had a number of children by them, as we see in I Chronicles 3:1-9.  “Now these were the sons of David, which were born unto him in Hebron; the firstborn Amnon, of Ahinoam the Jezreelitess; the second Daniel, of Abigail the Carmelitess: The third, Absalom the son of Maachah the daughter of Talmai king of Geshur: the fourth, Adonijah the son of Haggith: The fifth, Shephatiah of Abital: the sixth, Ithream by Eglah his wife.

These six were born unto him in Hebron; and there he reigned seven years and six months: and in Jerusalem he reigned thirty and three years.  And these were born unto him in Jerusalem; Shimea, and Shobab, and Nathan, and Solomon, four, of Bathshua the daughter of Ammiel: Ibhar also, and Elishama, and Eliphelet, And Nogah, and Nepheg, and Japhia, And Elishama, and Eliada, and Eliphelet, nine.  These were all the sons of David, beside the sons of the concubines, and Tamar their sister.”

With such an example of promiscuity before him, it is not surprising that David’s oldest son developed a similar attitude toward women, and David’s affair with Bathsheba added to the problem.  Unfortunately the first one he fell for was his half sister, as we see in II Samuel 13:1.  “And it came to pass after this, that Absalom the son of David had a fair sister, whose name was Tamar; and Amnon the son of David loved her.”

Amnon was so infatuated he made himself sick longing for her, but he knew that Deuteronomy 27:22 stated, “Cursed be he that lieth with his sister, the daughter of his father, or the daughter of his mother…”  He was sure she would never yield to his advances, as II Samuel 13:2 states.  “And Amnon was so vexed, that he fell sick for his sister Tamar; for she was a virgin; and Amnon thought it hard for him to do any thing to her.”

Amnon was very close to one of his cousins, jonadab,  who noticed his unhappiness and loss of appetite,and asked about it.   Jonadab was quite sneaky and manipulative and suggested how Amnon could get to her and overcome her refusal, in II Samuel 13:3-5.  “But Amnon had a friend, whose name was Jonadab, the son of Shimeah David's brother: and Jonadab was a very subtle man.  And he said unto him, Why art thou, being the king's son, lean from day to day? wilt thou not tell me?

And Amnon said unto him, I love Tamar, my brother Absalom's sister.

And Jonadab said unto him, Lay thee down on thy bed, and make thyself sick: and when thy father cometh to see thee, say unto him, I pray thee, let my sister Tamar come, and give me meat, and dress the meat in my sight, that I may see it, and eat it at her hand.”  Jonadab suggested Amnon pretend to be sick and when David came to see him, ask if Tamar could come over to his house and fix him a meal. 

Amnon thought it was a great idea and did it, in II Samuel 13:6-9.  “So Amnon lay down, and made himself sick: and when the king was come to see him, Amnon said unto the king, I pray thee, let Tamar my sister come, and make me a couple of cakes in my sight, that I may eat at her hand.

Then David sent home to Tamar, saying, Go now to thy brother Amnon's house, and dress him meat.  So Tamar went to her brother Amnon's house; and he was laid down. And she took flour, and kneaded it, and made cakes in his sight, and did bake the cakes.  And she took a pan, and poured them out before him; but he refused to eat.”

Totally unsuspecting, David asked Tamar to go over fix a special meal for Amnon.  When she did, he refused to eat with the others around and asked them all to leave.  With just the two of them there he tried to convince her to have sex with him, in II Samuel 13:9b-11.  “And Amnon said, Have out all men from me. And they went out every man from him.  And Amnon said unto Tamar, Bring the meat into the chamber, that I may eat of thine hand. And Tamar took the cakes which she had made, and brought them into the chamber to Amnon her brother.  And when she had brought them unto him to eat, he took hold of her, and said unto her, Come lie with me, my sister.”

She refused reminding him that it was forbidden under the Law, in II Samuel 13:12-13.  “And she answered him, Nay, my brother, do not force me; for no such thing ought to be done in Israel: do not thou this folly.  And I, whither shall I cause my shame to go? and as for thee, thou shalt be as one of the fools in Israel. Now therefore, I pray thee, speak unto the king; for he will not withhold me from thee.”  According to Leviticus 20:17, incest between brother and sister would result in their being put out of the tribe and no longer considered as Jewish.  “And if a man shall take his sister, his father's daughter, or his mother's daughter, and see her nakedness, and she see his nakedness; it is a wicked thing; and they shall be cut off in the sight of their people: he hath uncovered his sister's nakedness; he shall bear his iniquity.”  Whie Amnon would be considered foolish for having given up everything for few moments pleasure, Tamar would no longer be considered marriageable, and would find it almost impossible to support herself. 

Caught up in his lust, Amnon didn’t care what she wanted, and raped her, as II Samuel 13:14-15.  “Howbeit he would not hearken unto her voice: but, being stronger than she, forced her, and lay with her.  Then Amnon hated her exceedingly; so that the hatred wherewith he hated her was greater than the love wherewith he had loved her. And Amnon said unto her, Arise, be gone.”  Once the lust was satisfied, he wanted nothing more to do with her.  Infatuation has more to do with lust than with love initially, and if satisfied before growing into love leads to a loss of respect and resentment.

Raping her had been bad enough, but to just throw her away without any consideration was even worse, as Tamar pointed out, in II Samuel 13:16.  “And she said unto him, There is no cause: this evil in sending me away is greater than the other that thou didst unto me. But he would not hearken unto her.”  Exodus 22:16-17 commands, “And if a man entice a maid that is not betrothed, and lie with her, he shall surely endow her to be his wife.  If her father utterly refuse to give her unto him, he shall pay money according to the dowry of virgins.”  If a man had sex with a single woman, he was to claim her as his wife, even if her parents refused to allow them to live together.  By refusing and throwing her out, Amnon would be compounding his sin. 

Amnon refused to take any responsibility for what he had done. Ordering his servant to push her out and lock the door against her, in II Samuel 1:17.  “Then he called his servant that ministered unto him, and said, Put now this woman out from me, and bolt the door after her.”

The sex act causes a deep emotional bonding.  Tearing those emotional bonds causes serious emotional and psychological pain and harm that is very hard to heal.  Our modern promiscuous society consideres the damage unimportant, but we can see the effects in our society, with so many people emotionally unstable and angry,  God takes it very seriously, requiring that they get married and try to work things out. 

Reaping The Consequences of Sin

II Samuel 12:13b-15 tells us, “And Nathan said unto David, The LORD also hath put away thy sin; thou shalt not die.  Howbeit, because by this deed thou hast given great occasion to the enemies of the LORD to blaspheme, the child also that is born unto thee shall surely die.  And Nathan departed unto his house.”  While God had forgiven David’s sin, ignoring it would imply God approved of what he had done.  The baby would die immediately, as a sign of God’s displeasure. 

The prophecy came true immediately, in II Samuel 12:15b-18.  “And the LORD struck the child that Uriah's wife bare unto David, and it was very sick.  David therefore besought God for the child; and David fasted, and went in, and lay all night upon the earth.  And the elders of his house arose, and went to him, to raise him up from the earth: but he would not, neither did he eat bread with them.  And it came to pass on the seventh day, that the child died.  And the servants of David feared to tell him that the child was dead: for they said, Behold, while the child was yet alive, we spake unto him, and he would not hearken unto our voice: how will he then vex himself, if we tell him that the child is dead?”

Knowing it was his fault the baby was dying, David was overcome with grief, refusing to eat anything or leave the baby’s side.   Seeing how upset he was the servant were afraid to tell him the baby had died for fear of sending him over the edge.  They were shocked by his reaction on learning of the baby’s death in II Samuel 12:19-21.  “But when David saw that his servants whispered, David perceived that the child was dead: therefore David said unto his servants, Is the child dead?

And they said, He is dead.

Then David arose from the earth, and washed, and anointed himself, and changed his apparel, and came into the house of the LORD, and worshipped: then he came to his own house; and when he required, they set bread before him, and he did eat.

Then said his servants unto him, What thing is this that thou hast done? thou didst fast and weep for the child, while it was alive; but when the child was dead, thou didst rise and eat bread.”

David explained that as long as the baby lived there was hope God would change his mind, but when the baby died that hope ended, and ther was no reason to keep trying to chang his mind, in II Samuel 12:22-23.  “And he said, While the child was yet alive, I fasted and wept: for I said, Who can tell whether GOD will be gracious to me, that the child may live?  But now he is dead, wherefore should I fast? can I bring him back again? I shall go to him, but he shall not return to me.”  While there was no hope of the child coming back to this life, David could look forward to seeing him in eternity, even though he had not lived long enough to go through the dedication ceremony.  Taking comfort from that assurance, there was no reason to continue to pray for his soul. 

The loss of a baby either draws the parnts closer to each other or drives them apart if they begin to blame each other.  David and Bathsheba drew closer together, and had another son, according to II Samuel 12:24-25.  “And David comforted Bathsheba his wife, and went in unto her, and lay with her: and she bare a son, and he called his name Solomon: and the LORD loved him.  And he sent by the hand of Nathan the prophet; and he called his name Jedidiah, because of the LORD.”  God did not continue to punish him for that sin.  

After more than a year fighting the Ammonites, it became apparent the city of Rabbah was about to fall.  Joab advised David to lead the final drive so the focus would be on David winning the victory, and the scandal over Bathsheba would be forgotten, in II Samuel 12:26-31.  “And Joab fought against Rabbah of the children of Ammon, and took the royal city.  And Joab sent messengers to David, and said, I have fought against Rabbah, and have taken the city of waters.  Now therefore gather the rest of the people together, and encamp against the city, and take it: lest I take the city, and it be called after my name.

And David gathered all the people together, and went to Rabbah, and fought against it, and took it.  And he took their king's crown from off his head, the weight whereof was a talent of gold with the precious stones: and it was set on David's head. And he brought forth the spoil of the city in great abundance.  And he brought forth the people that were therein, and put them under saws, and under harrows of iron, and under axes of iron, and made them pass through the brickkiln: and thus did he unto all the cities of the children of Ammon. So David and all the people returned unto Jerusalem.”

The Ammonite leaders were executed, as were the people who continued to resist in the other Ammonite cities. 

Confession and Forgiveness

David had successfully hidden his adultery with Bathsheba so that few if any would question the birth of her baby.  God was not fooled however, as II Samuel 11:27b tells us.  “But the thing that David had done displeased the LORD.”   For years, David had done everything he could to please God, but as things went better, he felt he deserved a little more pleasure.  Unfortunately, as people get used to having power, they begin to abuse it, using it for their own benefit.  David had abused his power to get Bathsheba to have sex with him, and to cover up his sin. 

Fortunately, God is a loving God, often giving us multiple warnings when we do things that are not right.  In II Samuel 12:1-4, God sent Nathan to warn David.  “And the LORD sent Nathan unto David. And he came unto him, and said unto him, There were two men in one city; the one rich, and the other poor.  The rich man had exceeding many flocks and herds:  But the poor man had nothing, save one little ewe lamb, which he had bought and nourished up: and it grew up together with him, and with his children; it did eat of his own meat, and drank of his own cup, and lay in his bosom, and was unto him as a daughter.  And there came a traveller unto the rich man, and he spared to take of his own flock and of his own herd, to dress for the wayfaring man that was come unto him; but took the poor man's lamb, and dressed it for the man that was come to him.”

Hearing the story, David was incensed that a man of power could have so little concern for others as to take the only thing they had for his own pleasure.  He demanded that the law be fulfilled to to the max for such a cavalier attitude, in II Samuel 12:5-6.  “And David's anger was greatly kindled against the man; and he said to Nathan, As the LORD liveth, the man that hath done this thing shall surely die: And he shall restore the lamb fourfold, because he did this thing, and because he had no pity.”  A man with that little regard for others didn’t deserve to live, as far as David was concerned. 

One can only imagine David’s shock at Nathan’s response, in II Samuel 12:7. “And Nathan said to David, Thou art the man….”   He would never even consider doing such a horrible thing.   Nathan went on to explain that while he had not thought of it that way, it was essentially what he had done to Uriah, in II Samuel 12:7b-10a.  “Thus saith the LORD God of Israel, I anointed thee king over Israel, and I delivered thee out of the hand of Saul; And I gave thee thy master's house, and thy master's wives into thy bosom, and gave thee the house of Israel and of Judah; and if that had been too little, I would moreover have given unto thee such and such things.  Wherefore hast thou despised the commandment of the LORD, to do evil in his sight? thou hast killed Uriah the Hittite with the sword, and hast taken his wife to be thy wife, and hast slain him with the sword of the children of Ammon.”

David had a great deal of wealth, several wives and children and power over all Israel, and God’s blessings, yet he was not content, taking the only wife Uriah had then using the war with the Ammonites to get him killed.  The sin would affect David’s family for years to come, as II Samuel 12:10b -12 states.  “Now therefore the sword shall never depart from thine house; because thou hast despised me, and hast taken the wife of Uriah the Hittite to be thy wife.  Thus saith the LORD, Behold, I will raise up evil against thee out of thine own house, and I will take thy wives before thine eyes, and give them unto thy neighbour, and he shall lie with thy wives in the sight of this sun.  For thou didst it secretly: but I will do this thing before all Israel, and before the sun.”  As a result of his sin, David’s family would always have people trying to kill them, and one of David’s own family would turn on him, committing adultery with his wife as he had done with Uriah’s wife, except it would be done publicly to embarrass him. 

It is here that we see the difference in David’s attitude, as compared to Saul’s.  When confronted with his sin, Saul blamed his actions on others, both in I Samuel 13, 11-14, and in II Samuel 15:13-29, only admitting he had doen wrong in an effort to regain Samuel’s support.  David made no excuses, freely admitting he had sinned in II Samuel 12:13, “And David said unto Nathan, I have sinned against the LORD.”

I John 1:8-10 tells us, “If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.  If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.  If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.”  Saul was not forgiven because he refused to take responsibility for his sin.   David accepted responsibility for his sin, and was forgiven, but the sin would still have conswequences, as Nathan Told David, in II Samuel 12:13b-15.  “And Nathan said unto David, The LORD also hath put away thy sin; thou shalt not die.  Howbeit, because by this deed thou hast given great occasion to the enemies of the LORD to blaspheme, the child also that is born unto thee shall surely die.  And Nathan departed unto his house.”

Being justified does not mean “just as if I had never sinned.  It means we have been forgiven and restored to a proper relationship with God, but it does not mean the effects of our sin are erased.  Though David was forgiven and justified with God, Uriah was still dead, and Bathsheba still had David’s baby.  David’s sin brought a reproach on God, and the basby would die so other people would know God did not approve of what David had done. 

Covering Up His Sin

When Uriah did not go home to spend time with his wife for the second night, even after they got him drunk, David knew they would not be able to pass off Bathsheba’s basby as being Uriah’s, and under the Old Testament law, adultery required the death penalty for both the man and the woman, as Leviticus 20:10 states.   “And the man that committeth adultery with another man's wife, even he that committeth adultery with his neighbour's wife, the adulterer and the adulteress shall surely be put to death.” 

As king, David could have avoided the death penalty, but the scandal would have hurt his reputation badly.   Since Uriah would be the only one who could prove the baby was not his, David decided to have him killed, and asked Joab to do it in such a way that the death would look like a normal casualty of war, in II Samuel 11:14-15.  “And it came to pass in the morning, that David wrote a letter to Joab, and sent it by the hand of Uriah.  And he wrote in the letter, saying, Set ye Uriah in the forefront of the hottest battle, and retire ye from him, that he may be smitten, and die.”  Totally unsuspecting, Uriah even delivered the orders to have him killed.   

Joab had gotten by with the murder of Abner, and this time he had written orders from the king.  David would be forced  to protect him to protect himself, Joab followed the orders, In Ii Samuel 11:16-17.  “And it came to pass, when Joab observed the city, that he assigned Uriah unto a place where he knew that valiant men were.  And the men of the city went out, and fought with Joab: and there fell some of the people of the servants of David; and Uriah the Hittite died also.”  A carefully timed withdrawal resulted in the death of several men including Uriah, making it difficult to prove Uriah was the intended victim.  James 1:15b warns, “…and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.”  Uriah and the other soldiers were just the first casualties as result of David’s adultery.

Joab carefully worded his next message to David so that he would understand the death of the others was part of the cover for killing Uriah, in II Samuel 11:18-22.  “Then Joab sent and told David all the things concerning the war; And charged the messenger, saying, When thou hast made an end of telling the matters of the war unto the king, And if so be that the king's wrath arise, and he say unto thee, Wherefore approached ye so nigh unto the city when ye did fight? knew ye not that they would shoot from the wall?  Who smote Abimelech the son of Jerubbesheth? did not a woman cast a piece of a millstone upon him from the wall, that he died in Thebez? why went ye nigh the wall? then say thou, Thy servant Uriah the Hittite is dead also.

So the messenger went, and came and showed David all that Joab had sent him for.  And the messenger said unto David, Surely the men prevailed against us, and came out unto us into the field, and we were upon them even unto the entering of the gate.  And the shooters shot from off the wall upon thy servants; and some of the king's servants be dead, and thy servant Uriah the Hittite is dead also.”

David’s response to Joab’s message made it clear he understood what Joab was saying, and that he was willing to accept the death of the others to avoid the scandal, in II Samuel 11:25.  “Then David said unto the messenger, Thus shalt thou say unto Joab, Let not this thing displease thee, for the sword devoureth one as well as another: make thy battle more strong against the city, and overthrow it: and encourage thou him.”  Once again we see the truth of the old sayin that “power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely.”   David would normally have been upset over the loss of even one man, yet in this case he just ignored the pointless deaths of several. 

A few weeks after Uriah’s funeral, David married the grieving widow.  Since everyone knew Uriah had spent some time in Jerusalem and had been subsequently killed, no one was likely to question who the baby’s father was and David would be seen as just helping out the poor widow and adopting her child.  II Samuel 11:26-27 describes this.  “And when the wife of Uriah heard that Uriah her husband was dead, she mourned for her husband.  And when the mourning was past, David sent and fetched her to his house, and she became his wife, and bare him a son.” 

David Yields To Sin

David’s army had defeated the Ammonites, forcing them to withdraw into the capital for protection, and driven out the Syrians.   When David withdrew, the Syrians attacked again, and were overwhelmingly defeated.  In the mean time, the Ammonites had been rebuilding, preparing for another attack, but after their their defeat, the Syrians refused to join them in the attempt.  Learning of the Ammonite plans, David sent his army to Rabbah to crush any hopes of invading Israel, as II Samuel 11:1 tells us.  “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.”  The Ammonites withdrew into the city prepared for an extended siege.     

Trusting Joab and the army to do what was needed, David remained in Jerusalem.   No longer getting the physical and mental workout of leading the army, David found himself unable to sleep, and began walking on the roof, enjoying the stillness and fresh air.  In the process, he descried a woman bathing in her own home, as II Samuel 11:2 tells us.  “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.”

Bathsheba was not deliberately exposing herself, but was in her own home, bathing after everyone should have been in bed, and David was not deliberately looking to see her.  He could have simply turned away, but David began to think about how beautiful she was.  James 1:14-15a warns, “But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed.  Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin:”  When David began to think about satisfying that lust, he sinned mentally, as Jesus said in Matthew 5:28, “… That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.” 

It is important to understand that to see or even to have that sense of desire is not wrong.   Finding another person attractive is normal, even if they are of the same sex.  It only becomes sinful when we begin to fantacize about acting on the attraction.  The more we indulge in the mental sin, the easier it becomes to do the actual physical sin, whether sexual sin, murder, or theft.  After thinking about it David decided to follow up on his lust, in II Samuel 11:3.  “And David sent and inquired after the woman.

And one said, Is not this Bathsheba, the daughter of Eliam, the wife of Uriah the Hittite?” David knew she was married, yet he went on with the physical sin, in II Samuel 11:4.  “And David sent messengers, and took her; and she came in unto him, and he lay with her; for she was purified from her uncleanness: and she returned unto her house.”  While Bathsheba may have been flattered by David’s attention, she also would have felt pressured to go along since he was the king and sent men to bring her to him. 

Pregnancy is a natural result of the sex act, and when a person indulges in the sex act they are responsible for the the results.  Modern abortion laws are not about having choices, but about avoiding taking responsibility for those choices by killing the baby.  Since Abortion was not an available option, David attempted to avoid taking responsibility for his sin by having Bathsheba’s husband sent home for a little while, in II Samuel 11:5-8a.  “And the woman conceived, and sent and told David, and said, I am with child.

And David sent to Joab, saying, Send me Uriah the Hittite. And Joab sent Uriah to David.  And when Uriah was come unto him, David demanded of him how Joab did, and how the people did, and how the war prospered.  And David said to Uriah, Go down to thy house, and wash thy feet.”

David hoped Uriah would be so excited to be with his wife he wouldn’t realize she was pregnant and when the child was born would think it was his.  He didn’t count on Uriah’s highly developed sense of responsibility, in II Samuel 11:8b-12.  “…And Uriah departed out of the king's house, and there followed him a mess of meat from the king.  But Uriah slept at the door of the king's house with all the servants of his lord, and went not down to his house.  And when they had told David, saying, Uriah went not down unto his house, David said unto Uriah, Camest thou not from thy journey? why then didst thou not go down unto thine house?

And Uriah said unto David, The ark, and Israel, and Judah, abide in tents; and my lord Joab, and the servants of my lord, are encamped in the open fields; shall I then go into mine house, to eat and to drink, and to lie with my wife? as thou livest, and as thy soul liveth, I will not do this thing.

And David said to Uriah, Tarry here to day also, and to morrow I will let thee depart. So Uriah abode in Jerusalem that day, and the morrow.  And when David had called him, he did eat and drink before him; and he made him drunk: and at even he went out to lie on his bed with the servants of his lord, but went not down to his house.”

Uriah’s integrity prevented him from falling for David’s attempt to cover his sin, and David was forced to try to cover up his sin another way.