2 Samuel 11 - 14: David's Sin and Consequences
INTRODUCTION.
A. In our previous study (2 Samuel 6-10), we saw David move the ark of the covenant back to the City of David, David desired to build a house for God, and God giving David conquests over his enemies.
B. With this study, . . .
1. We will see David and Bathsheba sinning against Uriah and against God followed by their conviction and the punishment.
2. We will see David’s family dividing when one of his sons, Amnon, sins against his sister, Tamar, and Absalom killing his brother Amnon.
3. We will see the process leading up to Absalom being reunited with David.
C. Let us begin with David’s attraction to Bathsheba.
I. DAVID SINS AGAINST URIAH AND GOD. (11:1-27)
A. Chapter 11
1. David sent Joab and his servants to destroy the people of Ammon and to besiege Rabbah. David remained in Jerusalem. (11:1)
2. One evening, David walked on the roof of his house and saw Bathsheba, the wife of Uriah the Hittite, bathing. David sent for Bathsheba and laid with her. When Bathsheba learned that she had conceived a child, she sent word to King David. (11:2-5)
3. King David sent for Uriah the Hittite. David tried to get Uriah to spend the night with his wife, Bathsheba. However, Uriah refused to enjoy such pleasures while the ark, Israel, and Judah were dwelling in tents and Joab and the men were encamped in open fields. (11:6-13)
4. David sent Uriah back to Joab with a letter instructing Joab to put Uriah into the heat of the battle so that he may be struck down. As the Israelites pressed the city, Joab sent Uriah into an area where he knew there were valiant men. There Uriah lost his life. Joab sent word to David of Uriah’s death. (11:14-25)
5. Bathsheba mourned when she learned of Uriah’s death. When her mourning was over, Bathsheba became David’s wife and she bore him a son. David’s actions displeased the Lord. (11:26-27)
II. DAVID REPENTS OF HIS SINS. (12:1-31)
A. Chapter 12
1. The Lord sends Nathan to David. Nathan told David of a poor man unfairly treated by a rich man. The story angers David against the rich man. (12:1-6)
2. Nathan told David that he was the guilty man. (12:7-12)
a. The Lord had anointed David and had delivered David from Saul. The Lord had given David his masters house as well as all of Israel and Judah. The Lord would have given David more. (vs 7-8)
b. The Lord charged David with despising the commandment of the Lord by killing Uriah, taking his wife, and killing Uriah with the sword of the people of Ammon. (vs 9)
c. The Lord warned David of the punishment for his sin. (vs 10-12)
3. David acknowledge his sin and the Lord put his sin away. However, the baby which David and Bathsheba conceived would die. (12:13-15)
4. After the child died, David ceased his mourning and went into the house of the Lord to worship. (12:16-23)
5. After a time, David and Bathsheba conceived another child. The child’s name was Solomon. Nathan also gave the child the name of Jedidiah which means beloved of the Lord. (12:24-25)
6. Joab fought against the Rabbah of the Ammonites and he took the city. (12:26-31)
III. DIVISION WITHIN DAVID'S FAMILY GROWS. (13:1 - 14:33)
A. Chapter 13
1. David’s son Amnon sinned against his sister, Tamar by forcing himself upon her. (13:1-14)
2. Amnon hated Tamar and sent her away. (13:15-19)
3. Tamar lived her life as a desolate woman in Absalom’s house. Absalom hated Amnon. (13:20-22)
4. After two full years, Absalom arranged to have Amnon killed. The servants of Absalom did as he ordered and they killed Amnon. All of the king’s sons fled. (13:23-29)
5. David learned of Amnon’s death and why he was killed by Absalom. (13:30-33)
6. Absalom fled. The rest of the king’s sons returned to the king where together they bitterly wept. (13:34-36)
7. Absalom went to Talmai the son of Ammihud, the king of Geshur. Absalom stayed in Geshur for three years. King David longed for his son, Absalom. (13:37-39)
B. Chapter 14
1. Joab knew that King David’s heart went out to his son Absalom. Joab devised a plan whereby the king would send for Absalom. (14:1-24)
2. Absalom lived two full years in Jeruslaem without coming into the king’s presence. Absalom sent for Joab, but Joab refused to go to Absalom. Finally, Absalom caught Joab’s attention by setting Joab’s field on fire. (14:25-31)
3. Absalom sent Joab to talk to King David. Absalom desired to see his father, the king. David called for his son Absalom. (14:32-33)
IV. LESSONS LEARNED:
A. We must exercise self-control at all times.
1. The sin between David and Bathsheba happened as a result because they did not exercise self-control. (2 Samuel 11:2-5)
2. Every sin can be avoided if we exercise self-control.
a. Galatians 5:22-23
b. 2 Peter 1:5-9
B. Sometimes it is better to get a person to convict himself of sin.
1. Nathan used a method whereby David convicted himself of sin. (2 Samuel 12:1-7)
2. We are to go to a brother who has been overtaken in a fault. (Galatians 6:1-2) There are times when presenting the argument in such a way to bring the person to a self-convicting position works best.
C. Sin, which brings consequences, can be forgiven by God.
1. Although David and Bathsheba bore the consequence of their sin, the Lord did forgive them. (2 Samuel 12:7-15)
2. No matter what sins we have committed, the Lord is willing to forgive us if we are willing to repent. (1 John 1:9 - 2:2; 2 Peter 3:9)
D. Desiring after something that is sinful will lead to sin.
1. Amnon lusted after his sister Tamar. Such a relationship was sinful. Amnon’s lust was so great that it consumed him. He finally gave in to his desires and sinned against Tamar. (2 Samuel 13:1-20)
2. We must control our desires. If we allow ourselves to desire after that which is sinful, our desire may very well lead us to the sin. (James 1:12-15)
E. Vengeance belongs in the hands of the Lord.
1. Absalom took upon himself to exact vengeance upon Amnon for his sin against Tamar. (2 Samuel 13:23-39)
2. No matter what we face, it is not our place to take vengeance upon those who have done wrong. (Romans 12:17-21)
3. The Lord has given the government the right punish those who have broken the law. (Romans 13:1-5)
CONCLUSION.
A. As we close this lesson, let us remember:
1. We must exercise self-control at all times.
2. Sometimes it is better to get a person to convict himself of sin.
3. Sin, which brings consequences, can be forgiven by God.
4. Desiring after something that is sinful will lead to sin.
5. Vengeance belongs in the hands of the Lord.
B. Learn from the lessons of David, and set your life right with God today.
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2 Samuel 11 - 14: David's Sin and Consequences -- March 6, 2005 -- File # 672 - 2 Samuel
by John M. Duvall -- Lawton, OK