Bethsheba: God hates sin!

No matter how we garnish sin and give it a new name and new identity, it doesn’t change the state from sin to good. Sin is sin no matter how big or small. God hates sin no matter the magnitude of the sin. The ultimate goal of God sending His only begotten Son was to redeem mankind from the bondage of sin (John 3:16). Our relationship with God is affected by sin and the only way to be restored to Him is to be purged from sin. It cost God His only Son to pay the price for sin. If it is easy to do, it doesn’t mean the price to pay is easy. Be intentional and avoid sinful acts as much as possible. Our study of Bethsheba has revealed how a single act of walking on the roof led king David in a roller-coaster of sins. He saw Bethsheba, asked about her, requested for her, slept with her, got her pregnant, wanted to put the blame on her husband, killed her husband and ultimately married Bethsheba. 

Reading this from the viewpoint of a human being, the whole drama is naught. How can someone be this heartless to destroy another like that. If you felt this way, imagine God! All this while, Bethsheba was the one who had to endure the pain of cheating on her husband, the pain of losing her husband and becoming a widow. Her widowhood didn’t last for long because she moved to the palace as the wife of David. Though David might have felt a sigh of relief after all this, God wasn’t pleased at all. The wages of sin is death (Romans 6:23) and David and Bethsheba’s secret sin would have to be paid for publicly. God sent prophet Nathan to rebuke David. The prophet gave a story of a poor man and a rich man and how the rich man left all he had to kill the only ewe of the poor man. David burned with anger against the man and said to Nathan, “As surely as the Lord lives, the man who did this must die! He must pay for that lamb four times over, because he did such a thing and had no pity.” (2 Samuel 12:5‭-‬6). David did not know that he was the culprit in this story. He was ready to kill the rich man for his greed.

But because by doing this you have shown utter contempt for the Lord, the son born to you will die.” (2 Samuel 12:14)

When Nathan explained to David that the story refers to him, David said to Nathan, “I have sinned against the Lord.” Nathan replied, “The Lord has taken away your sin. You are not going to die. But because by doing this you have shown utter contempt for the Lord, the son born to you will die.” (2 Samuel 12:13‭-‬14). The Lord hated the sin of David and Bethsheba such that the innocent child wasn’t going to live. After all the drama, David and Bethsheba would not enjoy the fruit of their sinful act. When Bethsheba delivered, the child was struck with an illness. David prayed, fasted, pleaded with God, laid on the floor and did everything possible but God was not pleased. Ultimately, the child died. Bethsheba had to deal again with another loss, this time the loss of a child. She lost Uriah and now she had lost the child she had with David. As difficult as her grief might be, God hates sin and that child was the representation of the sinful action that led to the death of Uriah. 

This story teaches us that God is just and He “will repay each person according to what they have done” (Romans 2:6). The story also teaches that God sees the secrets of each person. Nothing is hidden from Him. David and Bethsheba sinned in secret but God rebuked them openly. The verdict was brutal:  “This is what the Lord says: ‘Out of your own household I am going to bring calamity on you. Before your very eyes I will take your wives and give them to one who is close to you, and he will sleep with your wives in broad daylight. You did it in secret, but I will do this thing in broad daylight before all Israel.’ ” (2 Samuel 12:11‭-‬12).

God created sexual intimacy but whenever it is done outside marriage, the beautiful act is called sin. Revelation 21:8 designates the final destination of sinners including the sexually immoral; “they will be consigned to the fiery lake of burning sulfur. This is the second death.” 

It is better we tame our emotions than allow our emotions to tame us. If it cannot be done with the knowledge of people, think twice before you do. Our feelings are not an excuse to sin. Control that feeling before it controls you. No sane person walks into fire because they feel cold. Similarly, we shouldn’t walk into sin because we feel like it. God hates sin!

Bethsheba: Widow of Uriah and wife of David

Whenever people use their position of influence to get things done their way even if it hurts others, we equate such people as evil, wicked and lacking empathy. If the only way to achieve your self interests is to hurt and step on the weak and the vulnerable, then you have no compassion. There are many people who rise to the top or achieve their goal on the backs of the weak and vulnerable. Such people go the extra mile to get what they want no matter the consequences on the people around them. David, Uriah and Bethsheba’s story in the Bible depicts such wickedness. Uriah left his wife home to fight for the nation and the king who was expected to lead the army to war idled at home and impregnated the wife of the committed soldier. When the king’s attempt to cover his sin failed, he devised a plan which led to the death of Uriah. Uriah’s death left his wife in a vulnerable state. Meanwhile, the king had another plan. 

After the time of mourning was over, David had her brought to his house, and she became his wife and bore him a son. But the thing David had done displeased the Lord. (2 Samuel 11:27)

Bethsheba’s life changed suddenly because she took a bath at the time the king was taking a walk on his roof. An activity of general body hygiene led to a series of other events that ultimately led her to lose her husband and marriage. We can’t blame Bethsheba since she was the vulnerable person in this incident. Uriah’s death was reported to Bethsheba when she heard that Uriah her husband was dead, she mourned for her husband (2 Samuel 11:26). Right after the mourning was over, David sent and fetched her to his house, and she became his wife, and bore him a son. However, David’s actions displeased the Lord (Samuel 11:27). David’s insatiable desire did not just lead to adultery, he progressed to murder. If you think David was too sudden to marry Bethsheba, remember Abigail and how he quickly married her right after the death of Nabal.

Just like Abigail, Bethsheba couldn’t have resisted the offer to marry the king. First, she was in a vulnerable position and if her one-night stand with the king was exposed, she would face the consequences of it. Second, being a woman without a husband and living alone could attract men of all sorts. She was not safe even while her husband was alive but away fighting for the nation. Thirdly, she was already pregnant for David and instead of living the life of a concubine, she couldn’t resist the offer to live the life of the king’s wife. Was Bethsheba aware that David had her husband killed? We don’t know that but what we know is that the widow of Uriah became the wife of the king right after her mourning period. Bethsheba might have had to keep a straight face among the other wives of David. She was the newbie who seemed to have the attention of the king. She lost Uriah but became the king’s favourite wife. The story is far from over. If you are reading this post and are unhappy with David’s actions, imagine the Lord. 

Bethsheba’s story is relevant in the 21st century. On a daily basis, we still hear similar stories of how the weak and vulnerable people are coerced to do things that satisfy the whims and caprices of the mighty and powerful. There are many people who have suffered the fate of Uriah. They went out to do a good cause but they were used as stepping stones to achieve the desires of their masters. In some cases, women do not even have the right to choose their own spouses. Others are married off to pay family debt. David’s marriage to Bethsheba was out of inconvenience. He did that to cover his vile actions. 

Finally, if you are a person of authority, do not take the weak, the poor and vulnerable people for granted. The God of the rich and famous people, is the same God of the poor and vulnerable. He will surely avenge every evil. 

Bethsheba: When plans go wrong

There are times that our bad actions trigger the ripple effects of other things. My father always says that if you tell one lie, you will probably need a thousand more lies to cover your tracks. This is so true. Whenever you do something wrong and you need to cover your tracks, you tend to do more wrong stuff to make sure that your first action is not seen. The only solution to this ripple effect of sin is to avoid the very first attempt to sin. If you overcome the first desire to do evil, there is no need to cover up your track. The temptation of Adam and Eve, and the temptation of Jesus were all based on similar levels. The devil was interested in the things that would make them desire other things other than God: the lust of the eye, the lust of the flesh and the pride of life. Eve succumbed to the sin, Adam followed suit and the result was a flawed humanity (Genesis 3). On the other hand, Jesus overcame his temptation and ultimately accomplished God’s purpose of salvation. 

Bethsheba had no intention to cheat on her husband until king David requested for her presence and ended up sleeping with her. The one night with the king began a cycle of sin. Bethsheba was pregnant for David while Uriah was still at war. David was informed about this and his first action was to send for Uriah. David sent word to Joab, the army commander: “Send me Uriah the Hittite.” And Joab sent him to David. When Uriah came to him, David asked him how Joab was, how the soldiers were and how the war was going. Then David said to Uriah, “Go down to your house and wash your feet.” So Uriah left the palace, and a gift from the king was sent after him.” (2 Samuel 11:6‭-‬8). David’s plan was for Uriah to go home and sleep with Bethsheba so the baby would be known as Uriah’s baby. Remember, there was no DNA test available then. However, Uriah slept at the entrance to the palace with all his master’s servants and did not go down to his house (2 Samuel 11:9). When David inquired of Uriah, this was Uriah’s response: “The ark and Israel and Judah are staying in tents, and my commander Joab and my Lord’s men are camped in the open country. How could I go to my house to eat and drink and make love to my wife? As surely as you live, I will not do such a thing!” (2 Samuel 11:11). Such a loyalty was missing in David’s own life. Even when David got Uriah so drunk the next day, Uriah still didn’t go to sleep with his wife. David’s plan failed. 

In it he wrote, “Put Uriah out in front where the fighting is fiercest. Then withdraw from him so he will be struck down and die.” (2 Samuel 11:15)

All this while, Bethsheba was home managing her predicament. She had no idea that the king was looking for ways to cover his sinful action. David initiated plan B. The second plan was barbaric. David sent a letter to Joab through Uriah. The letter was Uriah’s death sentence. The very loyal Uriah did not know that his own hands carried a decision to kill him. In the letter, David wrote this: “Put Uriah out in front where the fighting is fiercest. Then withdraw from him so he will be struck down and die.” (2 Samuel 11:14‭-‬15). David succeeded in this plan and Uriah was killed by the enemies he had risked his life and pleasure to fight against. Uriah was actually pushed into his own death by the plan of his own king. What an evil plan! Bethsheba’s one night with the king caused her the life of a very loyal husband. I am sure David did not plan to kill Uriah before he slept with Bethsheba. His one sin, generated a cycle of other sins. 

Imagine Bethsheba waiting at home to know what to tell Uriah about the pregnancy. They had no mobile phones so Bethsheba was not in communication with Uriah. The beautiful wife of Uriah carried the child of a king. The king who didn’t want to be shamed killed the husband of Bethsheba to cover his sinful action. The story is far from over. God hates sin and what David did was obnoxious to Him. 

Before you press that sin button, know that you will need a lifetime of lies to cover that single act. Be sober minded and be ready to weigh your actions with the word of God. The only solution to this ripple effect of sin is to avoid the very first attempt to sin.
God hates sin. 

Bethsheba: Uriah’s wife but pregnant for the king

Imagine watching a movie with a plot twist and knowing that the actions of the protagonist would ultimately lead to trouble. Even if you shake your TV, the storyline wouldn’t change. I have a similar experience whenever I read the story of David and Bethsheba. There are times I wished David went to war instead of staying home. There are times I wished I could just cover David’s eye with my palm so he couldn’t see Bethsheba taking her bath. Yet, there are other times I wish I could whisper to David ears not to inquire about Bethsheba. Finally, there are days I wish I could hide Bethsheba so that David’s servants wouldn’t find her. From the trajectory of my wishes, you could trace the progression of David’s desire and the sin it led him to commit. In case you believe God didn’t give David any warning prior to that, you are mistaken. David knew very well that what he was doing was wrong. The consciousness of his actions and his insistence shows that David refused to hear the still small voice from God. Similarly, whenever we are about to make a wrong move, whether a believer or unbeliever, there is this inner voice that prompts us of our actions but most times, the very determined fail to listen to God’s voice of caution. 

Bethsheba was minding her business in her house. She took a bath which was a good general body hygiene routine. She had just had her period and went to do the monthly purification afterwards (2 Samuel11:4b). David’s insatiable desire did not cease when he was told that Bethsheba was the wife of Uriah. Instead of going to his own wives and concubines to satisfy his desire, David went ahead to do the unthinkable. King David sent messengers to get her. She came to him, and he slept with her. Then she went back home. (2 Samuel 11:4a and c). What was David thinking? He had all the women but Uriah,  the loyal soldier, had just one. Sometimes, I wish I would know Bethsheba’s reaction to this situation. Did she refuse? Did she resist the king’s request? Was she forced? Did she give in to David because of fear? Was she promised gifts? Was she excited about being attracted to the king? We might not have answers to all these questions but one thing stands out: David was the giant slayer, the king of Israel and the one who welded all the power, while Bethsheba was a helpless woman, alone in her house, without the presence of her husband. Whatever conspired between David and Bethsheba, before David had intimacy with her, only God knows and God wasn’t pleased at all. 

The woman conceived and sent word to David, saying, “I am pregnant.” (2 Samuel 11:5)

The deal was done. David was satisfied and Bethsheba went back to her home. However, whatever sin is committed in secret would surely come to light. Sometimes it takes time but it will definitely be revealed. Bethsheba went back to her normal routine but what she didn’t know was that the one night spent in the bosom of the king wouldn’t be forgotten just like that. Before long, Bethsheba started seeing changes in her body and her monthly period failed to show up. The woman was in trouble. Her husband was still fighting the battles of Israel and since her last purification, only king David had slept with her. The secret is revealed. David’s desire had translated to a baby. The married woman was pregnant with another man’s child. What! Bethsheba sent word to David, saying, “I am pregnant” (2 Samuel 11:5). I am sure I am not the only one who asks questions like, “why will God allow such sinful acts to be recorded in His Holy book?” Well, a charge for us to avoid such dangerous paths. If David, the man after God’s own heart could condescend to such a sinful situation, we are not immune to sin.

Bethsheba might have been worried sick with fear and shame. She did not plan this. What would become of her. According to the law, sleeping with another man other than her husband is liable to punishment. She slept with the king and though she could be exempted from this punishment, what will happen to her marriage? She cannot force the child of the king on her innocent husband.

Not many of us want to be in such a situation. The psychological and physical stress alone could make you lose your sanity. Maybe, Bethsheba had no control over what happened between her and David. The lesson for us to learn is that, if you are in a position of power, don’t hurt the people with your actions. If we can avoid compromising situations,  we should stay far away from things that could pull the sin trigger. 

The Bible is clear that the wages of sin is death (Romans 6:23). As much as it depends on you, don’t move to where you will be compromised. Avoid ungodly conversations. Don’t watch things that can trigger certain desires. Bethsheba was just bathing but David saw a woman he could have intimacy with. Avoid people who take you for granted.

Bethsheba and the king who remained at home instead of going out to war

Today’s post will begin a series of discussions on Bethsheba, a woman whose story cannot be hidden. Bethsheba lived in Jerusalem with her husband Uriah. The husband served as a soldier in king David’s army. So as at the time the Bible introduces Bethsheba, Uriah was fighting for the nation of Israel. We are not told how long Bethsheba and Uriah were married. Bethsheba and Uriah might have lived a simple life in their home. The person who caused the big changes in this story was David, king of Israel. Bethsheba was the only wife of Uriah. David on the other hand had a number of wives and concubines. As the king, he was entitled to marry as many women as he could as long as those women are not married to other men. On the geographical front, the topology of the buildings during those times were such that the king lived in a massive palace and the people lived in smaller houses. Thus, the king can see the other houses and sometimes inside the houses when he stands on his roof. You remember when the Abimelek, king of Gerar saw Isaac romancing Rebekah through his window? 

One evening David got up from his bed and walked around on the roof of the palace. From the roof he saw a woman bathing. The woman was very beautiful (2 Samuel 11:2)

When the story of Bethsheba begins in 2 Samuel, we are immediately introduced to the fact that David was supposed to be on the battlefield but he delegated Joab and he stayed back home: “In the spring, at the time when kings go off to war, David sent Joab out with the king’s men and the whole Israelite army. They destroyed the Ammonites and besieged Rabbah. But David remained in Jerusalem” (2 Samuel 11:1). David did not just stay home, he went on his roof to look at his beautiful city and saw what he wouldn’t have seen if he was on the battlefield: “One evening David got up from his bed and walked around on the roof of the palace. From the roof he saw a woman bathing. The woman was very beautiful” (2 Samuel 11:2). One beautiful woman bathing was probably no big deal because David had access to many beautiful women and if what his eyes saw tempted him, he could have easily satisfied his cravings without even contacting this particular woman. 

David was not satisfied with just seeing, he went the extra mile to know the identity of this woman. The very determined David,  sent someone to find out about her. The man said, “She is Bathsheba, the daughter of Eliam and the wife of Uriah the Hittite” (2 Samuel 11:3). This description of the woman was enough information to alert the king with a burning desire that this woman is taken by another and as such, not a perfect match for the king. David wanted just more than he saw. He burnt with desires and emotions and the king who could slay giants was slayed by the beauty of this woman. The wife of Uriah did not even know that she had caused a king to be restless. David was idling at home. He stayed back instead of going to war. In his idling state, the devil found him a job. The job was the strange urge to have what does not belong to him. On the other hand, the woman David craved for, was the wife of a man who had sacrificed his life to fight for David. Uriah left his beautiful wife to go and fight but here is the king who cannot concentrate because he saw the nakedness of the wife of his loyal servant. What an irony of life.

Bethsheba at this time had no idea that her general body routine of bathing had caused the king to desire her. We might be quick to ask where Bethsheba was standing to bathe. I lived in a rural community and I know for a fact that if your neighbours are rich and have built mansions and you cannot afford to build a good bathroom, then you would likely be visible to those on the higher floors when you enter your “open-top” bathroom. Bethsheba had finished bathing and gone to her house but David is still struggling from the sight he saw. 

In Psalm 1: 1, David wrote that, “Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers.” He had first hand experience of the progress of sin. In the Bethsheba experience, David moved from his bedroom to the roof, he walked about the roof and he saw the woman who was bathing. David did not just see but stopped to even make enquiries about this woman. We will continue on the next post to see what other steps David made.