We can’t but notice that once David became king, (and after he was settled in his palace), his first thoughts went towards building a permanent temple where the ark could reside. Now in 2 Samuel 9, we see him desirous to keep his word given to Saul’s son Jonathan, and do good to any of Jonathan’s descendants that were still alive, vs 1.

On finding out from Ziba, Saul’s servant, that Jonathan’s lame son Mephibosheth was still alive, David went out of the way to show him loving kindness, by going the extra mile to restore unto him all the land that belonged to Saul.

Mephibosheth was also given the privilege of eating at David’s table all the days of his life too, vs 2-11! In 2 Samuel 10, we see that David’s good intention towards the son of the king of Ammon at the time of his father’s death, was so misunderstood that it ended up in a battle between David and several other kings who joined Hanun to fight against David, vs 6-10.

Nevertheless, the united efforts of Joab, Abishai and David, vs 7-18, resulted in victory, such that the Syrians feared to help the children of Ammon any more, vs 19! As time went by, David became comfortable in his palace, while he sent Joab and his men to destroy the Ammonites, 2 Samuel 11:1.

Left to himself, he fell into sin with Bathsheba, the wife of one of his choice soldiers named Uriah, vs 2-4. On finding out that the woman conceived as a result, and being unable to cover up his sin, even after he called Uriah to return home from the battle, he eventually, deliberately permitted Uriah to die at the hands of the Ammonites, vs 6-17!

This displeased God very much and God sent the prophet Nathan to rebuke David for his sin,, 2 Samuel 12! On realising his sin, David immediately acknowledges the same and seeks forgiveness from God, vs 13.

However, Nathan tells him that the consequences of his sin would surely follow, for on account of his sin of adultery and murder, David had given the enemies of the Lord an opportunity to blaspheme the Lord’s Name, and so, the first child born to Bathsheba would surely die, vs 7-12,14!

These chapters show us that sin begins as a result of spiritual complacency and because we distance ourselves from the knowledge of God’s laws, and when not rejected immediately, how sin progresses and brings defilement! Later on, we see the serious consequences that result! All the good works done before that, (like David did unto Mephibosheth) fade into the background, as a result of any sin that may follow our good works!

Yes, it is good that we repent immediately before God and man on being enlightened about our sin, however, the consequences do follow, which result in defilement to many*! Today, we can enjoy complete forgiveness and deliverance for ourselves, and those we stumble, on account of the precious blood shed by Jesus on the Cross, provided we repent wholeheartedly.

*On reading these chapters, may we be exhorted to let God’s Word abide in our hearts, so that we may not sin against God, and thus refrain from stumbling ourselves and being a stumbling block to others too. Amen.

Rowena Thomas
Mumbai, India.