This message explores the failure of David and Bathsheba, evaluating what happens and what could have gone differently. This will explore the nature of sin and temptation but also grapple with the apparent failures of those we might respect. This message is paired with the following week.
(2 Samuel 11)
Sermon Outline
“Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” (Psalm 139:23-24)
David is a Man of Action
- War with Ammon bookends 2 Samuel 11
- Remains Home “But David remained in Jerusalem” (2 Samuel 11:1)
- No longer the King “to go our before [Israel] and fight their [battles]” (1 Samuel 8:20)
- David gets up; walks, sees; (2 Samuel 11:2) David sends for her and David sleeps with her (2 Samuel 11:4) She conceives (2 Samuel 11:5)
- Where could David had been stopped along this path? Where could David’s heart have acknowledged its ease and its desires?
David Tries to Hang Onto Control for Dear Life
- David controls—asks Uriah to come home (2 Samuel 11:6)
- David manipulates—asks about welfare of others 3x (1 Samuel 11:7)
- David uses his power to command Uriah to be with his wife (2 Samuel 11:8)
Uriah Acts Faithfully, as a Perfect Foil to David
- Uriah refuses to sleep with his wife (2 Samuel 11:10)
- Uriah is unwilling to be with wife, while Israel is at war (1 Samuel 11:11)
- David asks Uriah to stay, drink; Uriah remains faithful (2 Samuel 11:12,13)
David Continues to Control and Cover-up to the Point of Uriah’s Death
- David silences the word of pregnancy as not from Uriah (2 Samuel 11:14,15)
- Joab joins David in covering up the deception (1 Samuel 11:18-24)
- David downplays his evil and calls it good (2 Samuel 11:25)
- God has the Last Word—not those in Power (1 Samuel 11:27)
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
- What power do you have in relationships? Are you a parent, coach, mentor, aunt, uncle, or simply older or stronger than another?
- This week we continue our summer sermon series, “The Pursuit of God: The Life of David” by exploring when David reaches a turning point in his personal life and the life of the nation of Israel. This is recorded in 2 Samuel 11. Begin your study in prayer, asking God to speak to you through the Scripture, and then read this passages aloud.
- Where in 2 Samuel 11:1-5 could David have interrupted his action?
- What stands out to you about the name of Bathsheba in 2 Samuel 11:3 and to whom she belongs?
- What might Bathsheba have felt like in 2 Samuel 11:1-5?
- Detail the ways David uses control, manipulation, power and gifts to cover up his actions in 2 Samuel 11:6-13.
- Where in 2 Samuel 11:6-13 do you see the faithfulness of Uriah?
- In what ways does David continue to control, cover up, and employ deception and ask others to join him in his evil act in 2 Samuel 11:14-26?
- What might be the literary value of the last sentence (v. 27) of 2 Samuel 11?
- What is one thing God speaking to you personally through this week’s study about temptation, sin, and cover up? If you are with a small group, discuss that with one another and then pray about what you shared. If you are on your own, write it down, pray about it, and consider sharing your thoughts with someone this week.
DIG DEEPER
- Pray or journal Psalm 139:23-24 each day to ask God’s help in confession.
- Read a Psalm each morning and/or night.
- Look into puredesire.org to join a group for those struggling with addiction and those supporting them in their lives.
- Rest, enjoy the outdoors in your body, do some hard work or make something, to get out of your head.
- Ask God to reorder your desires according to His love and goodness.