But David remained in Jerusalem…and saw a very beautiful woman bathing (2 Samuel 11:1, 2).

Welcome back to the second week of our Fractured series.  This week, the epic tragedy of David and Bathsheba (2 Samuel 11).  Take a few minutes to revisit this familiar story now.

King David has had twenty years of success, spiritually and as a king, so this season, “when kings go off to war,” he remains in Jerusalem (11:1). Has he grown too comfortable, perhaps thinking God has blessed, but he’s also worked hard and deserves a rest? The danger of this decision, leaving him open to temptation, is comparable to a little rock hitting your windshield. Oh, it’s just a small bullseye, you think. But if you leave it alone, that bullseye won’t stay little. The glass will begin to fracture in myriad directions, ultimately destroying your ability to see clearly. Little things - a vacation from responsibility, a tiny rock - have outsized consequences, both near and far.

Let’s count how many fractured relationships result from this tiny rock of a gaze, born from idleness, at another man’s wife: 1) David’s relationship with Bathsheba is off to a fractured start, 2) David fractures his relationship with his wives, 3) David fractures Uriah’s relationship with Bathsheba, 4) David loses Uriah’s respect (Uriah may well suspect David’s adultery; see 11:8-11), 5) David forfeits Commander Joab’s respect when he orders Uriah killed in battle (11:15), and of course, 6) God’s relationship with David (11:27). Some are immediate consequences; others occur within a few months. But God isn’t finished. Displeased with David’s sins of adultery, murder, and lack of repentance, God prophecies the far-reaching fractures: “the sword will never depart from your house…out of your own household I am going to bring calamity upon you” (12:10-11, emphasis mine). 

Just as Geico recommends you call at the first sign of damage to prevent a completely fractured windshield, God, who always “provides a way out so we can stand up under [temptation]” (1 Cor. 10:13), gives David chance after chance to withstand the temptation and avoid the consequences. First, as soon as he spots Bathsheba’s beauty (11:3), David should go back inside instead of formulating a plan. Second chance: a servant reminds David of the potential sin: “isn’t she the wife of Uriah?” (11:3b). Third: at least a couple months must pass for Bathsheba to send David news of the pregnancy = more time to repent. Fourth: after Uriah refuses to go home to his wife, David should be convicted by the man’s (unfractured) righteousness. “The ark and Israel stay in tents…my lord’s men camp in open fields. How could I go eat and drink and lie with my wife? As surely as you live, I will not do such a thing” (11:11, emphasis mine). Final chance: David composes a letter commanding Uriah’s death (11:14); how could he not feel conviction? 

Witness how the tiny bullseye has radiated into fractures deep and wide. 

I know David’s sins aren’t ours, but It’s critical we recognize the rock of temptation (“the woman was very beautiful”) when it hits and call Geico immediately (attend to the Holy Spirit) to prevent the inevitable fracture(s) that result from ignoring the bullseye. 

Can you think of times when the Holy Spirit has given you an escape route from temptation? Praise Him for those moments, and ask Him to help you to recognize the tiny projectiles headed your way.