2 Samuel 20

2 Samuel 20:1

David and Uriah

If the evil deed is not judged, another evil emerges from the evil. David realizes that he has to take measures before it comes to light that he has committed adultery and he has to be killed. Now he becomes a murderer to avoid this fate. He comes up with a cunning plan.

Now that David has chosen the path of sin, he can do two things. He can acknowledge that he has been wrong and beg God for mercy. He also can continue on the way of sin and try to erase the consequences. He chooses the latter.

David has not yet set out to kill Uriah. First he tries to get Uriah with his wife surreptitiously. He lets him come to him. Hypocritically he asks after Joab, the men, and how the war is going. He pretends to have concern for his men and the battle they are engaged in. Uriah reports of it.

After the report David gives Uriah leave to go home and be with his wife. He manipulates him to achieve that goal. Uriah will undoubtedly then also lie with her. This will make it look as if the child being born is Uriah’s child. The king’s adultery would then have remained hidden. How he abuses his royal power here! However, he did not consider the loyalty of Uriah.

When David lets Uriah come to him and asks why he did not go home, Uriah speaks the language of faith, the language of a faithful and dedicated believer. He cannot take his ease, as David did, by which he came to his sin. The words of Uriah (2 Samuel 11:11) remind David of his own duty. God lets Uriah say those things to speak to David’s conscience. It is an impressive plea of dedication, which at the same time exposes razor sharp David’s unfaithfulness. We see in this discourse the love of God who speaks in a penetrating way to the conscience of David. But he is deaf to it, for he has silenced his conscience.

As David cannot be brought to leave the way of sin, so Uriah cannot be brought to leave the way of dedication. Even the present David has sent out after him does not detract Uriah from the way of faithfulness to his duty. David makes another attempt to get Uriah with his wife (2 Samuel 11:12). He tries it with a new trick. He invites Uriah to come and eat and drink with him. What is a proof of grace with Mephibosheth (2 Samuel 9:13) is a trick with Uriah. David only uses his invitation to make Uriah drunk, hoping that he would then go to his wife and lie with her (cf. Habakkuk 2:15-16).

David, however, fails to get Uriah go to his wife Bathsheba to cover his terrible sin. Uriah is in no way to be moved to forsake his duty. Uriah’s dedication to his duty causes David is getting more and more nervous and he is also getting meaner and meaner. He is unstoppable and runs on the way of sin to a next sin.

2 Samuel 20:2

David and Uriah

If the evil deed is not judged, another evil emerges from the evil. David realizes that he has to take measures before it comes to light that he has committed adultery and he has to be killed. Now he becomes a murderer to avoid this fate. He comes up with a cunning plan.

Now that David has chosen the path of sin, he can do two things. He can acknowledge that he has been wrong and beg God for mercy. He also can continue on the way of sin and try to erase the consequences. He chooses the latter.

David has not yet set out to kill Uriah. First he tries to get Uriah with his wife surreptitiously. He lets him come to him. Hypocritically he asks after Joab, the men, and how the war is going. He pretends to have concern for his men and the battle they are engaged in. Uriah reports of it.

After the report David gives Uriah leave to go home and be with his wife. He manipulates him to achieve that goal. Uriah will undoubtedly then also lie with her. This will make it look as if the child being born is Uriah’s child. The king’s adultery would then have remained hidden. How he abuses his royal power here! However, he did not consider the loyalty of Uriah.

When David lets Uriah come to him and asks why he did not go home, Uriah speaks the language of faith, the language of a faithful and dedicated believer. He cannot take his ease, as David did, by which he came to his sin. The words of Uriah (2 Samuel 11:11) remind David of his own duty. God lets Uriah say those things to speak to David’s conscience. It is an impressive plea of dedication, which at the same time exposes razor sharp David’s unfaithfulness. We see in this discourse the love of God who speaks in a penetrating way to the conscience of David. But he is deaf to it, for he has silenced his conscience.

As David cannot be brought to leave the way of sin, so Uriah cannot be brought to leave the way of dedication. Even the present David has sent out after him does not detract Uriah from the way of faithfulness to his duty. David makes another attempt to get Uriah with his wife (2 Samuel 11:12). He tries it with a new trick. He invites Uriah to come and eat and drink with him. What is a proof of grace with Mephibosheth (2 Samuel 9:13) is a trick with Uriah. David only uses his invitation to make Uriah drunk, hoping that he would then go to his wife and lie with her (cf. Habakkuk 2:15-16).

David, however, fails to get Uriah go to his wife Bathsheba to cover his terrible sin. Uriah is in no way to be moved to forsake his duty. Uriah’s dedication to his duty causes David is getting more and more nervous and he is also getting meaner and meaner. He is unstoppable and runs on the way of sin to a next sin.

2 Samuel 20:3

David and Uriah

If the evil deed is not judged, another evil emerges from the evil. David realizes that he has to take measures before it comes to light that he has committed adultery and he has to be killed. Now he becomes a murderer to avoid this fate. He comes up with a cunning plan.

Now that David has chosen the path of sin, he can do two things. He can acknowledge that he has been wrong and beg God for mercy. He also can continue on the way of sin and try to erase the consequences. He chooses the latter.

David has not yet set out to kill Uriah. First he tries to get Uriah with his wife surreptitiously. He lets him come to him. Hypocritically he asks after Joab, the men, and how the war is going. He pretends to have concern for his men and the battle they are engaged in. Uriah reports of it.

After the report David gives Uriah leave to go home and be with his wife. He manipulates him to achieve that goal. Uriah will undoubtedly then also lie with her. This will make it look as if the child being born is Uriah’s child. The king’s adultery would then have remained hidden. How he abuses his royal power here! However, he did not consider the loyalty of Uriah.

When David lets Uriah come to him and asks why he did not go home, Uriah speaks the language of faith, the language of a faithful and dedicated believer. He cannot take his ease, as David did, by which he came to his sin. The words of Uriah (2 Samuel 11:11) remind David of his own duty. God lets Uriah say those things to speak to David’s conscience. It is an impressive plea of dedication, which at the same time exposes razor sharp David’s unfaithfulness. We see in this discourse the love of God who speaks in a penetrating way to the conscience of David. But he is deaf to it, for he has silenced his conscience.

As David cannot be brought to leave the way of sin, so Uriah cannot be brought to leave the way of dedication. Even the present David has sent out after him does not detract Uriah from the way of faithfulness to his duty. David makes another attempt to get Uriah with his wife (2 Samuel 11:12). He tries it with a new trick. He invites Uriah to come and eat and drink with him. What is a proof of grace with Mephibosheth (2 Samuel 9:13) is a trick with Uriah. David only uses his invitation to make Uriah drunk, hoping that he would then go to his wife and lie with her (cf. Habakkuk 2:15-16).

David, however, fails to get Uriah go to his wife Bathsheba to cover his terrible sin. Uriah is in no way to be moved to forsake his duty. Uriah’s dedication to his duty causes David is getting more and more nervous and he is also getting meaner and meaner. He is unstoppable and runs on the way of sin to a next sin.

2 Samuel 20:4

David and Uriah

If the evil deed is not judged, another evil emerges from the evil. David realizes that he has to take measures before it comes to light that he has committed adultery and he has to be killed. Now he becomes a murderer to avoid this fate. He comes up with a cunning plan.

Now that David has chosen the path of sin, he can do two things. He can acknowledge that he has been wrong and beg God for mercy. He also can continue on the way of sin and try to erase the consequences. He chooses the latter.

David has not yet set out to kill Uriah. First he tries to get Uriah with his wife surreptitiously. He lets him come to him. Hypocritically he asks after Joab, the men, and how the war is going. He pretends to have concern for his men and the battle they are engaged in. Uriah reports of it.

After the report David gives Uriah leave to go home and be with his wife. He manipulates him to achieve that goal. Uriah will undoubtedly then also lie with her. This will make it look as if the child being born is Uriah’s child. The king’s adultery would then have remained hidden. How he abuses his royal power here! However, he did not consider the loyalty of Uriah.

When David lets Uriah come to him and asks why he did not go home, Uriah speaks the language of faith, the language of a faithful and dedicated believer. He cannot take his ease, as David did, by which he came to his sin. The words of Uriah (2 Samuel 11:11) remind David of his own duty. God lets Uriah say those things to speak to David’s conscience. It is an impressive plea of dedication, which at the same time exposes razor sharp David’s unfaithfulness. We see in this discourse the love of God who speaks in a penetrating way to the conscience of David. But he is deaf to it, for he has silenced his conscience.

As David cannot be brought to leave the way of sin, so Uriah cannot be brought to leave the way of dedication. Even the present David has sent out after him does not detract Uriah from the way of faithfulness to his duty. David makes another attempt to get Uriah with his wife (2 Samuel 11:12). He tries it with a new trick. He invites Uriah to come and eat and drink with him. What is a proof of grace with Mephibosheth (2 Samuel 9:13) is a trick with Uriah. David only uses his invitation to make Uriah drunk, hoping that he would then go to his wife and lie with her (cf. Habakkuk 2:15-16).

David, however, fails to get Uriah go to his wife Bathsheba to cover his terrible sin. Uriah is in no way to be moved to forsake his duty. Uriah’s dedication to his duty causes David is getting more and more nervous and he is also getting meaner and meaner. He is unstoppable and runs on the way of sin to a next sin.

2 Samuel 20:5

David and Uriah

If the evil deed is not judged, another evil emerges from the evil. David realizes that he has to take measures before it comes to light that he has committed adultery and he has to be killed. Now he becomes a murderer to avoid this fate. He comes up with a cunning plan.

Now that David has chosen the path of sin, he can do two things. He can acknowledge that he has been wrong and beg God for mercy. He also can continue on the way of sin and try to erase the consequences. He chooses the latter.

David has not yet set out to kill Uriah. First he tries to get Uriah with his wife surreptitiously. He lets him come to him. Hypocritically he asks after Joab, the men, and how the war is going. He pretends to have concern for his men and the battle they are engaged in. Uriah reports of it.

After the report David gives Uriah leave to go home and be with his wife. He manipulates him to achieve that goal. Uriah will undoubtedly then also lie with her. This will make it look as if the child being born is Uriah’s child. The king’s adultery would then have remained hidden. How he abuses his royal power here! However, he did not consider the loyalty of Uriah.

When David lets Uriah come to him and asks why he did not go home, Uriah speaks the language of faith, the language of a faithful and dedicated believer. He cannot take his ease, as David did, by which he came to his sin. The words of Uriah (2 Samuel 11:11) remind David of his own duty. God lets Uriah say those things to speak to David’s conscience. It is an impressive plea of dedication, which at the same time exposes razor sharp David’s unfaithfulness. We see in this discourse the love of God who speaks in a penetrating way to the conscience of David. But he is deaf to it, for he has silenced his conscience.

As David cannot be brought to leave the way of sin, so Uriah cannot be brought to leave the way of dedication. Even the present David has sent out after him does not detract Uriah from the way of faithfulness to his duty. David makes another attempt to get Uriah with his wife (2 Samuel 11:12). He tries it with a new trick. He invites Uriah to come and eat and drink with him. What is a proof of grace with Mephibosheth (2 Samuel 9:13) is a trick with Uriah. David only uses his invitation to make Uriah drunk, hoping that he would then go to his wife and lie with her (cf. Habakkuk 2:15-16).

David, however, fails to get Uriah go to his wife Bathsheba to cover his terrible sin. Uriah is in no way to be moved to forsake his duty. Uriah’s dedication to his duty causes David is getting more and more nervous and he is also getting meaner and meaner. He is unstoppable and runs on the way of sin to a next sin.

2 Samuel 20:6

David and Uriah

If the evil deed is not judged, another evil emerges from the evil. David realizes that he has to take measures before it comes to light that he has committed adultery and he has to be killed. Now he becomes a murderer to avoid this fate. He comes up with a cunning plan.

Now that David has chosen the path of sin, he can do two things. He can acknowledge that he has been wrong and beg God for mercy. He also can continue on the way of sin and try to erase the consequences. He chooses the latter.

David has not yet set out to kill Uriah. First he tries to get Uriah with his wife surreptitiously. He lets him come to him. Hypocritically he asks after Joab, the men, and how the war is going. He pretends to have concern for his men and the battle they are engaged in. Uriah reports of it.

After the report David gives Uriah leave to go home and be with his wife. He manipulates him to achieve that goal. Uriah will undoubtedly then also lie with her. This will make it look as if the child being born is Uriah’s child. The king’s adultery would then have remained hidden. How he abuses his royal power here! However, he did not consider the loyalty of Uriah.

When David lets Uriah come to him and asks why he did not go home, Uriah speaks the language of faith, the language of a faithful and dedicated believer. He cannot take his ease, as David did, by which he came to his sin. The words of Uriah (2 Samuel 11:11) remind David of his own duty. God lets Uriah say those things to speak to David’s conscience. It is an impressive plea of dedication, which at the same time exposes razor sharp David’s unfaithfulness. We see in this discourse the love of God who speaks in a penetrating way to the conscience of David. But he is deaf to it, for he has silenced his conscience.

As David cannot be brought to leave the way of sin, so Uriah cannot be brought to leave the way of dedication. Even the present David has sent out after him does not detract Uriah from the way of faithfulness to his duty. David makes another attempt to get Uriah with his wife (2 Samuel 11:12). He tries it with a new trick. He invites Uriah to come and eat and drink with him. What is a proof of grace with Mephibosheth (2 Samuel 9:13) is a trick with Uriah. David only uses his invitation to make Uriah drunk, hoping that he would then go to his wife and lie with her (cf. Habakkuk 2:15-16).

David, however, fails to get Uriah go to his wife Bathsheba to cover his terrible sin. Uriah is in no way to be moved to forsake his duty. Uriah’s dedication to his duty causes David is getting more and more nervous and he is also getting meaner and meaner. He is unstoppable and runs on the way of sin to a next sin.

2 Samuel 20:7

David and Uriah

If the evil deed is not judged, another evil emerges from the evil. David realizes that he has to take measures before it comes to light that he has committed adultery and he has to be killed. Now he becomes a murderer to avoid this fate. He comes up with a cunning plan.

Now that David has chosen the path of sin, he can do two things. He can acknowledge that he has been wrong and beg God for mercy. He also can continue on the way of sin and try to erase the consequences. He chooses the latter.

David has not yet set out to kill Uriah. First he tries to get Uriah with his wife surreptitiously. He lets him come to him. Hypocritically he asks after Joab, the men, and how the war is going. He pretends to have concern for his men and the battle they are engaged in. Uriah reports of it.

After the report David gives Uriah leave to go home and be with his wife. He manipulates him to achieve that goal. Uriah will undoubtedly then also lie with her. This will make it look as if the child being born is Uriah’s child. The king’s adultery would then have remained hidden. How he abuses his royal power here! However, he did not consider the loyalty of Uriah.

When David lets Uriah come to him and asks why he did not go home, Uriah speaks the language of faith, the language of a faithful and dedicated believer. He cannot take his ease, as David did, by which he came to his sin. The words of Uriah (2 Samuel 11:11) remind David of his own duty. God lets Uriah say those things to speak to David’s conscience. It is an impressive plea of dedication, which at the same time exposes razor sharp David’s unfaithfulness. We see in this discourse the love of God who speaks in a penetrating way to the conscience of David. But he is deaf to it, for he has silenced his conscience.

As David cannot be brought to leave the way of sin, so Uriah cannot be brought to leave the way of dedication. Even the present David has sent out after him does not detract Uriah from the way of faithfulness to his duty. David makes another attempt to get Uriah with his wife (2 Samuel 11:12). He tries it with a new trick. He invites Uriah to come and eat and drink with him. What is a proof of grace with Mephibosheth (2 Samuel 9:13) is a trick with Uriah. David only uses his invitation to make Uriah drunk, hoping that he would then go to his wife and lie with her (cf. Habakkuk 2:15-16).

David, however, fails to get Uriah go to his wife Bathsheba to cover his terrible sin. Uriah is in no way to be moved to forsake his duty. Uriah’s dedication to his duty causes David is getting more and more nervous and he is also getting meaner and meaner. He is unstoppable and runs on the way of sin to a next sin.

2 Samuel 20:8

David and Uriah

If the evil deed is not judged, another evil emerges from the evil. David realizes that he has to take measures before it comes to light that he has committed adultery and he has to be killed. Now he becomes a murderer to avoid this fate. He comes up with a cunning plan.

Now that David has chosen the path of sin, he can do two things. He can acknowledge that he has been wrong and beg God for mercy. He also can continue on the way of sin and try to erase the consequences. He chooses the latter.

David has not yet set out to kill Uriah. First he tries to get Uriah with his wife surreptitiously. He lets him come to him. Hypocritically he asks after Joab, the men, and how the war is going. He pretends to have concern for his men and the battle they are engaged in. Uriah reports of it.

After the report David gives Uriah leave to go home and be with his wife. He manipulates him to achieve that goal. Uriah will undoubtedly then also lie with her. This will make it look as if the child being born is Uriah’s child. The king’s adultery would then have remained hidden. How he abuses his royal power here! However, he did not consider the loyalty of Uriah.

When David lets Uriah come to him and asks why he did not go home, Uriah speaks the language of faith, the language of a faithful and dedicated believer. He cannot take his ease, as David did, by which he came to his sin. The words of Uriah (2 Samuel 11:11) remind David of his own duty. God lets Uriah say those things to speak to David’s conscience. It is an impressive plea of dedication, which at the same time exposes razor sharp David’s unfaithfulness. We see in this discourse the love of God who speaks in a penetrating way to the conscience of David. But he is deaf to it, for he has silenced his conscience.

As David cannot be brought to leave the way of sin, so Uriah cannot be brought to leave the way of dedication. Even the present David has sent out after him does not detract Uriah from the way of faithfulness to his duty. David makes another attempt to get Uriah with his wife (2 Samuel 11:12). He tries it with a new trick. He invites Uriah to come and eat and drink with him. What is a proof of grace with Mephibosheth (2 Samuel 9:13) is a trick with Uriah. David only uses his invitation to make Uriah drunk, hoping that he would then go to his wife and lie with her (cf. Habakkuk 2:15-16).

David, however, fails to get Uriah go to his wife Bathsheba to cover his terrible sin. Uriah is in no way to be moved to forsake his duty. Uriah’s dedication to his duty causes David is getting more and more nervous and he is also getting meaner and meaner. He is unstoppable and runs on the way of sin to a next sin.

2 Samuel 20:9

David Lets Uriah Be Killed

David orders Joab to ensure that Uriah is killed. It is nothing less than an order to have him murdered. The brave man who is prepared to die for the honor of his king is killed by his king. David has lost his mind through his adultery (Proverbs 6:32). He killed Goliath in broad daylight and before the eyes of all the people. He secretly lets the murder of Uriah happen, it is a work of darkness.

David is that hardened that he orders the murder by giving the letter for Joab and the instructions to Uriah himself. The fact that he gives the letter to Uriah is an extra proof of the integrity of Uriah. David knows that this faithful soldier will never open the letter. By making Joab complicit in his iniquity, he at the same time makes himself a slave to him. By the way, Joab did not have to do this. Later he also knows to act when David is doing wrong in his eyes (2 Samuel 19:5-7; 2 Samuel 24:3).

How deeply David sunk! When he was chased in the mountains like a partridge by Saul (1 Samuel 26:20), he was happier than now. Then he had a living faith and a good conscience.

Joab is well acquainted with David’s way of thinking, because he knows how he will react (2 Samuel 11:18-21). In view of this, the messenger must then say that Uriah is dead. When David has heard the report, he knows he has achieved his goal. His response is a general comment, without any sympathy because of the death of his subjects. Uriah is dead. That was what it was all about. He soothes Joab’s conscience, but his own conscience seems cauterized.

2 Samuel 20:10

David Lets Uriah Be Killed

David orders Joab to ensure that Uriah is killed. It is nothing less than an order to have him murdered. The brave man who is prepared to die for the honor of his king is killed by his king. David has lost his mind through his adultery (Proverbs 6:32). He killed Goliath in broad daylight and before the eyes of all the people. He secretly lets the murder of Uriah happen, it is a work of darkness.

David is that hardened that he orders the murder by giving the letter for Joab and the instructions to Uriah himself. The fact that he gives the letter to Uriah is an extra proof of the integrity of Uriah. David knows that this faithful soldier will never open the letter. By making Joab complicit in his iniquity, he at the same time makes himself a slave to him. By the way, Joab did not have to do this. Later he also knows to act when David is doing wrong in his eyes (2 Samuel 19:5-7; 2 Samuel 24:3).

How deeply David sunk! When he was chased in the mountains like a partridge by Saul (1 Samuel 26:20), he was happier than now. Then he had a living faith and a good conscience.

Joab is well acquainted with David’s way of thinking, because he knows how he will react (2 Samuel 11:18-21). In view of this, the messenger must then say that Uriah is dead. When David has heard the report, he knows he has achieved his goal. His response is a general comment, without any sympathy because of the death of his subjects. Uriah is dead. That was what it was all about. He soothes Joab’s conscience, but his own conscience seems cauterized.

2 Samuel 20:11

David Lets Uriah Be Killed

David orders Joab to ensure that Uriah is killed. It is nothing less than an order to have him murdered. The brave man who is prepared to die for the honor of his king is killed by his king. David has lost his mind through his adultery (Proverbs 6:32). He killed Goliath in broad daylight and before the eyes of all the people. He secretly lets the murder of Uriah happen, it is a work of darkness.

David is that hardened that he orders the murder by giving the letter for Joab and the instructions to Uriah himself. The fact that he gives the letter to Uriah is an extra proof of the integrity of Uriah. David knows that this faithful soldier will never open the letter. By making Joab complicit in his iniquity, he at the same time makes himself a slave to him. By the way, Joab did not have to do this. Later he also knows to act when David is doing wrong in his eyes (2 Samuel 19:5-7; 2 Samuel 24:3).

How deeply David sunk! When he was chased in the mountains like a partridge by Saul (1 Samuel 26:20), he was happier than now. Then he had a living faith and a good conscience.

Joab is well acquainted with David’s way of thinking, because he knows how he will react (2 Samuel 11:18-21). In view of this, the messenger must then say that Uriah is dead. When David has heard the report, he knows he has achieved his goal. His response is a general comment, without any sympathy because of the death of his subjects. Uriah is dead. That was what it was all about. He soothes Joab’s conscience, but his own conscience seems cauterized.

2 Samuel 20:12

David Lets Uriah Be Killed

David orders Joab to ensure that Uriah is killed. It is nothing less than an order to have him murdered. The brave man who is prepared to die for the honor of his king is killed by his king. David has lost his mind through his adultery (Proverbs 6:32). He killed Goliath in broad daylight and before the eyes of all the people. He secretly lets the murder of Uriah happen, it is a work of darkness.

David is that hardened that he orders the murder by giving the letter for Joab and the instructions to Uriah himself. The fact that he gives the letter to Uriah is an extra proof of the integrity of Uriah. David knows that this faithful soldier will never open the letter. By making Joab complicit in his iniquity, he at the same time makes himself a slave to him. By the way, Joab did not have to do this. Later he also knows to act when David is doing wrong in his eyes (2 Samuel 19:5-7; 2 Samuel 24:3).

How deeply David sunk! When he was chased in the mountains like a partridge by Saul (1 Samuel 26:20), he was happier than now. Then he had a living faith and a good conscience.

Joab is well acquainted with David’s way of thinking, because he knows how he will react (2 Samuel 11:18-21). In view of this, the messenger must then say that Uriah is dead. When David has heard the report, he knows he has achieved his goal. His response is a general comment, without any sympathy because of the death of his subjects. Uriah is dead. That was what it was all about. He soothes Joab’s conscience, but his own conscience seems cauterized.

2 Samuel 20:13

David Lets Uriah Be Killed

David orders Joab to ensure that Uriah is killed. It is nothing less than an order to have him murdered. The brave man who is prepared to die for the honor of his king is killed by his king. David has lost his mind through his adultery (Proverbs 6:32). He killed Goliath in broad daylight and before the eyes of all the people. He secretly lets the murder of Uriah happen, it is a work of darkness.

David is that hardened that he orders the murder by giving the letter for Joab and the instructions to Uriah himself. The fact that he gives the letter to Uriah is an extra proof of the integrity of Uriah. David knows that this faithful soldier will never open the letter. By making Joab complicit in his iniquity, he at the same time makes himself a slave to him. By the way, Joab did not have to do this. Later he also knows to act when David is doing wrong in his eyes (2 Samuel 19:5-7; 2 Samuel 24:3).

How deeply David sunk! When he was chased in the mountains like a partridge by Saul (1 Samuel 26:20), he was happier than now. Then he had a living faith and a good conscience.

Joab is well acquainted with David’s way of thinking, because he knows how he will react (2 Samuel 11:18-21). In view of this, the messenger must then say that Uriah is dead. When David has heard the report, he knows he has achieved his goal. His response is a general comment, without any sympathy because of the death of his subjects. Uriah is dead. That was what it was all about. He soothes Joab’s conscience, but his own conscience seems cauterized.

2 Samuel 20:14

David Lets Uriah Be Killed

David orders Joab to ensure that Uriah is killed. It is nothing less than an order to have him murdered. The brave man who is prepared to die for the honor of his king is killed by his king. David has lost his mind through his adultery (Proverbs 6:32). He killed Goliath in broad daylight and before the eyes of all the people. He secretly lets the murder of Uriah happen, it is a work of darkness.

David is that hardened that he orders the murder by giving the letter for Joab and the instructions to Uriah himself. The fact that he gives the letter to Uriah is an extra proof of the integrity of Uriah. David knows that this faithful soldier will never open the letter. By making Joab complicit in his iniquity, he at the same time makes himself a slave to him. By the way, Joab did not have to do this. Later he also knows to act when David is doing wrong in his eyes (2 Samuel 19:5-7; 2 Samuel 24:3).

How deeply David sunk! When he was chased in the mountains like a partridge by Saul (1 Samuel 26:20), he was happier than now. Then he had a living faith and a good conscience.

Joab is well acquainted with David’s way of thinking, because he knows how he will react (2 Samuel 11:18-21). In view of this, the messenger must then say that Uriah is dead. When David has heard the report, he knows he has achieved his goal. His response is a general comment, without any sympathy because of the death of his subjects. Uriah is dead. That was what it was all about. He soothes Joab’s conscience, but his own conscience seems cauterized.

2 Samuel 20:15

David Lets Uriah Be Killed

David orders Joab to ensure that Uriah is killed. It is nothing less than an order to have him murdered. The brave man who is prepared to die for the honor of his king is killed by his king. David has lost his mind through his adultery (Proverbs 6:32). He killed Goliath in broad daylight and before the eyes of all the people. He secretly lets the murder of Uriah happen, it is a work of darkness.

David is that hardened that he orders the murder by giving the letter for Joab and the instructions to Uriah himself. The fact that he gives the letter to Uriah is an extra proof of the integrity of Uriah. David knows that this faithful soldier will never open the letter. By making Joab complicit in his iniquity, he at the same time makes himself a slave to him. By the way, Joab did not have to do this. Later he also knows to act when David is doing wrong in his eyes (2 Samuel 19:5-7; 2 Samuel 24:3).

How deeply David sunk! When he was chased in the mountains like a partridge by Saul (1 Samuel 26:20), he was happier than now. Then he had a living faith and a good conscience.

Joab is well acquainted with David’s way of thinking, because he knows how he will react (2 Samuel 11:18-21). In view of this, the messenger must then say that Uriah is dead. When David has heard the report, he knows he has achieved his goal. His response is a general comment, without any sympathy because of the death of his subjects. Uriah is dead. That was what it was all about. He soothes Joab’s conscience, but his own conscience seems cauterized.

2 Samuel 20:16

David Lets Uriah Be Killed

David orders Joab to ensure that Uriah is killed. It is nothing less than an order to have him murdered. The brave man who is prepared to die for the honor of his king is killed by his king. David has lost his mind through his adultery (Proverbs 6:32). He killed Goliath in broad daylight and before the eyes of all the people. He secretly lets the murder of Uriah happen, it is a work of darkness.

David is that hardened that he orders the murder by giving the letter for Joab and the instructions to Uriah himself. The fact that he gives the letter to Uriah is an extra proof of the integrity of Uriah. David knows that this faithful soldier will never open the letter. By making Joab complicit in his iniquity, he at the same time makes himself a slave to him. By the way, Joab did not have to do this. Later he also knows to act when David is doing wrong in his eyes (2 Samuel 19:5-7; 2 Samuel 24:3).

How deeply David sunk! When he was chased in the mountains like a partridge by Saul (1 Samuel 26:20), he was happier than now. Then he had a living faith and a good conscience.

Joab is well acquainted with David’s way of thinking, because he knows how he will react (2 Samuel 11:18-21). In view of this, the messenger must then say that Uriah is dead. When David has heard the report, he knows he has achieved his goal. His response is a general comment, without any sympathy because of the death of his subjects. Uriah is dead. That was what it was all about. He soothes Joab’s conscience, but his own conscience seems cauterized.

2 Samuel 20:17

David Lets Uriah Be Killed

David orders Joab to ensure that Uriah is killed. It is nothing less than an order to have him murdered. The brave man who is prepared to die for the honor of his king is killed by his king. David has lost his mind through his adultery (Proverbs 6:32). He killed Goliath in broad daylight and before the eyes of all the people. He secretly lets the murder of Uriah happen, it is a work of darkness.

David is that hardened that he orders the murder by giving the letter for Joab and the instructions to Uriah himself. The fact that he gives the letter to Uriah is an extra proof of the integrity of Uriah. David knows that this faithful soldier will never open the letter. By making Joab complicit in his iniquity, he at the same time makes himself a slave to him. By the way, Joab did not have to do this. Later he also knows to act when David is doing wrong in his eyes (2 Samuel 19:5-7; 2 Samuel 24:3).

How deeply David sunk! When he was chased in the mountains like a partridge by Saul (1 Samuel 26:20), he was happier than now. Then he had a living faith and a good conscience.

Joab is well acquainted with David’s way of thinking, because he knows how he will react (2 Samuel 11:18-21). In view of this, the messenger must then say that Uriah is dead. When David has heard the report, he knows he has achieved his goal. His response is a general comment, without any sympathy because of the death of his subjects. Uriah is dead. That was what it was all about. He soothes Joab’s conscience, but his own conscience seems cauterized.

2 Samuel 20:18

David Lets Uriah Be Killed

David orders Joab to ensure that Uriah is killed. It is nothing less than an order to have him murdered. The brave man who is prepared to die for the honor of his king is killed by his king. David has lost his mind through his adultery (Proverbs 6:32). He killed Goliath in broad daylight and before the eyes of all the people. He secretly lets the murder of Uriah happen, it is a work of darkness.

David is that hardened that he orders the murder by giving the letter for Joab and the instructions to Uriah himself. The fact that he gives the letter to Uriah is an extra proof of the integrity of Uriah. David knows that this faithful soldier will never open the letter. By making Joab complicit in his iniquity, he at the same time makes himself a slave to him. By the way, Joab did not have to do this. Later he also knows to act when David is doing wrong in his eyes (2 Samuel 19:5-7; 2 Samuel 24:3).

How deeply David sunk! When he was chased in the mountains like a partridge by Saul (1 Samuel 26:20), he was happier than now. Then he had a living faith and a good conscience.

Joab is well acquainted with David’s way of thinking, because he knows how he will react (2 Samuel 11:18-21). In view of this, the messenger must then say that Uriah is dead. When David has heard the report, he knows he has achieved his goal. His response is a general comment, without any sympathy because of the death of his subjects. Uriah is dead. That was what it was all about. He soothes Joab’s conscience, but his own conscience seems cauterized.

2 Samuel 20:19

David Lets Uriah Be Killed

David orders Joab to ensure that Uriah is killed. It is nothing less than an order to have him murdered. The brave man who is prepared to die for the honor of his king is killed by his king. David has lost his mind through his adultery (Proverbs 6:32). He killed Goliath in broad daylight and before the eyes of all the people. He secretly lets the murder of Uriah happen, it is a work of darkness.

David is that hardened that he orders the murder by giving the letter for Joab and the instructions to Uriah himself. The fact that he gives the letter to Uriah is an extra proof of the integrity of Uriah. David knows that this faithful soldier will never open the letter. By making Joab complicit in his iniquity, he at the same time makes himself a slave to him. By the way, Joab did not have to do this. Later he also knows to act when David is doing wrong in his eyes (2 Samuel 19:5-7; 2 Samuel 24:3).

How deeply David sunk! When he was chased in the mountains like a partridge by Saul (1 Samuel 26:20), he was happier than now. Then he had a living faith and a good conscience.

Joab is well acquainted with David’s way of thinking, because he knows how he will react (2 Samuel 11:18-21). In view of this, the messenger must then say that Uriah is dead. When David has heard the report, he knows he has achieved his goal. His response is a general comment, without any sympathy because of the death of his subjects. Uriah is dead. That was what it was all about. He soothes Joab’s conscience, but his own conscience seems cauterized.

2 Samuel 20:20

David Lets Uriah Be Killed

David orders Joab to ensure that Uriah is killed. It is nothing less than an order to have him murdered. The brave man who is prepared to die for the honor of his king is killed by his king. David has lost his mind through his adultery (Proverbs 6:32). He killed Goliath in broad daylight and before the eyes of all the people. He secretly lets the murder of Uriah happen, it is a work of darkness.

David is that hardened that he orders the murder by giving the letter for Joab and the instructions to Uriah himself. The fact that he gives the letter to Uriah is an extra proof of the integrity of Uriah. David knows that this faithful soldier will never open the letter. By making Joab complicit in his iniquity, he at the same time makes himself a slave to him. By the way, Joab did not have to do this. Later he also knows to act when David is doing wrong in his eyes (2 Samuel 19:5-7; 2 Samuel 24:3).

How deeply David sunk! When he was chased in the mountains like a partridge by Saul (1 Samuel 26:20), he was happier than now. Then he had a living faith and a good conscience.

Joab is well acquainted with David’s way of thinking, because he knows how he will react (2 Samuel 11:18-21). In view of this, the messenger must then say that Uriah is dead. When David has heard the report, he knows he has achieved his goal. His response is a general comment, without any sympathy because of the death of his subjects. Uriah is dead. That was what it was all about. He soothes Joab’s conscience, but his own conscience seems cauterized.

2 Samuel 20:21

David Takes Bathsheba to Be His Wife

Bathsheba also receives the message of her husband’s death and mourns for him. This mourning must not have lasted too long and must not have been too deep, for immediately after the time of mourning David sends for her and she becomes his wife. In this way sin must remain hidden.

However, his sin will find him out (Numbers 32:23). It also seems that the matter has become well known anyway. Can we not derive this from what Nathan says about the slander of the LORD’s enemies by this sinful act of David (2 Samuel 12:14)? It was also possible to count in that time and it was noted that the son of Bathsheba was born much earlier than nine months after his marriage.

David may have tried to hide his sin from the eyes of men, but it is impossible to hide it from the eyes of the all-seeing God. We read: “But the thing that David had done was evil in the sight of the LORD.” We see what sin is to God when we read the profound confession of David in Psalms 51. This psalm David wrote “when the prophet Nathan came to him after he had gone in to Bathsheba” (Psalms 51:1a).

The lesson this history contains for us is that we must be careful not to hang around but to do what the Lord commands. A sin never comes alone. We must be careful of the lust of the eyes. If we have sinned, we should not try to camouflage that sin, because that leads to another sin. We must confess sin. I am now thinking of the sexual relationship that the former President of the United States, Bill Clinton, had with Monica Lewinski (November 1995-March 1997, Wikipedia). He did everything possible to deny the charges so as not to lose his face to the world.

Actually, we should not even think about Clinton’s relationship with Lewinski. Don’t we have enough to do with ourselves? How often do we try to find an excuse for sin, so we don’t have to confess it, afraid as we are of losing face? This needs to be not only on the sexual level. It can happen in all kinds of situations. Also then there is One Who looks from the beginning and it must be said that it is “evil in the sight of the LORD”.

We may all pray for ourselves: ‘Lord, do not lead me into temptation, but keep me close to Yourself, in Your way. “Preserve me, O God, for I take refuge in You” (Psalms 16:1). I know, Lord, that these words were in Your heart when You walked here on earth. You spoke them, not because You were afraid to stumble, but because as Man You found complete safety and protection with Your God. These words indicate how You were completely dependent on Your God. Thank You for allowing me to pray these words too. With me it is for fear that I give in to sin. There is so much around me that connects to the sin dwelling in me, that I want to ask again: Preserve me, O God, for I take refuge in You.’

2 Samuel 20:22

David Takes Bathsheba to Be His Wife

Bathsheba also receives the message of her husband’s death and mourns for him. This mourning must not have lasted too long and must not have been too deep, for immediately after the time of mourning David sends for her and she becomes his wife. In this way sin must remain hidden.

However, his sin will find him out (Numbers 32:23). It also seems that the matter has become well known anyway. Can we not derive this from what Nathan says about the slander of the LORD’s enemies by this sinful act of David (2 Samuel 12:14)? It was also possible to count in that time and it was noted that the son of Bathsheba was born much earlier than nine months after his marriage.

David may have tried to hide his sin from the eyes of men, but it is impossible to hide it from the eyes of the all-seeing God. We read: “But the thing that David had done was evil in the sight of the LORD.” We see what sin is to God when we read the profound confession of David in Psalms 51. This psalm David wrote “when the prophet Nathan came to him after he had gone in to Bathsheba” (Psalms 51:1a).

The lesson this history contains for us is that we must be careful not to hang around but to do what the Lord commands. A sin never comes alone. We must be careful of the lust of the eyes. If we have sinned, we should not try to camouflage that sin, because that leads to another sin. We must confess sin. I am now thinking of the sexual relationship that the former President of the United States, Bill Clinton, had with Monica Lewinski (November 1995-March 1997, Wikipedia). He did everything possible to deny the charges so as not to lose his face to the world.

Actually, we should not even think about Clinton’s relationship with Lewinski. Don’t we have enough to do with ourselves? How often do we try to find an excuse for sin, so we don’t have to confess it, afraid as we are of losing face? This needs to be not only on the sexual level. It can happen in all kinds of situations. Also then there is One Who looks from the beginning and it must be said that it is “evil in the sight of the LORD”.

We may all pray for ourselves: ‘Lord, do not lead me into temptation, but keep me close to Yourself, in Your way. “Preserve me, O God, for I take refuge in You” (Psalms 16:1). I know, Lord, that these words were in Your heart when You walked here on earth. You spoke them, not because You were afraid to stumble, but because as Man You found complete safety and protection with Your God. These words indicate how You were completely dependent on Your God. Thank You for allowing me to pray these words too. With me it is for fear that I give in to sin. There is so much around me that connects to the sin dwelling in me, that I want to ask again: Preserve me, O God, for I take refuge in You.’

2 Samuel 20:24

A Rich, a Poor and a Traveler

When the child is born, Nathan is sent to David by the LORD. Why did the LORD wait so long? Is it because perhaps He waited in His great patience for David’s confession? However, this confession does not come. Therefore He must come now Himself.

When Nathan arrives at David’s house, he starts telling him a story without any introduction. He has already come to David once before. Then he came with a beautiful word from the LORD about building the house of David (2 Samuel 7:4-17). Now he comes with a message of judgment. He does so in the form of a story to discover David to himself.

In the story Nathan tells, David is the rich man and Uriah the poor man. David is the man who has “a great many flocks and herds”, which represent the many wives he has, which, by the way, is very much against the thoughts of God. The poor man is the man with the one little ewe lamb, the simple soldier Uriah, who has one wife, which, by the way, is very much in accordance with God’s thoughts. In the traveler we see the picture of lust that can present itself just like that. The question is what someone does with this traveler when he visits him. One can send him away or take him into his home. He who takes him into the house, which is in his heart, and gives him food, is in the power of the traveler.

When David hears the story, his “anger burned greatly”. He makes a sharp and twofold judgment. As for him, the rich one “deserves to die”. At the same time, he demands that the rich one compensate the poor with a large amount of compensation: “He must make restitution for the lamb fourfold.” The latter is according to the law and also happened with David. He has lost four children: the child he conceived in adultery, Amnon, Absalom and Adonijah.

His judgment that the rich man “deserves to die” goes beyond the law. It is inconceivable that David had no exercises of conscience. However, a human being can suppress these exercises. Yet they are there and they appear here in a word about others. If he had not lived in sin himself, he would not have pronounced such a judgment. He pronounces this judgment on himself.

How well we can judge others, while we ourselves may be living in sin (cf. Romans 2:1)! If we realize this deeply, we will pray: ‘Lord, grant that, from what I notice in others, I may learn who I am myself. Give me to take to heart what You say about the log and the speck (Matthew 7:3-5). I want to be discovered in myself, but am I open to it? If You show me something that is not good, give me that the first thing I do is to place myself in Your light so that You can show me who I am. In that attitude, let me go to others to serve’ (Galatians 6:1).

2 Samuel 20:25

A Rich, a Poor and a Traveler

When the child is born, Nathan is sent to David by the LORD. Why did the LORD wait so long? Is it because perhaps He waited in His great patience for David’s confession? However, this confession does not come. Therefore He must come now Himself.

When Nathan arrives at David’s house, he starts telling him a story without any introduction. He has already come to David once before. Then he came with a beautiful word from the LORD about building the house of David (2 Samuel 7:4-17). Now he comes with a message of judgment. He does so in the form of a story to discover David to himself.

In the story Nathan tells, David is the rich man and Uriah the poor man. David is the man who has “a great many flocks and herds”, which represent the many wives he has, which, by the way, is very much against the thoughts of God. The poor man is the man with the one little ewe lamb, the simple soldier Uriah, who has one wife, which, by the way, is very much in accordance with God’s thoughts. In the traveler we see the picture of lust that can present itself just like that. The question is what someone does with this traveler when he visits him. One can send him away or take him into his home. He who takes him into the house, which is in his heart, and gives him food, is in the power of the traveler.

When David hears the story, his “anger burned greatly”. He makes a sharp and twofold judgment. As for him, the rich one “deserves to die”. At the same time, he demands that the rich one compensate the poor with a large amount of compensation: “He must make restitution for the lamb fourfold.” The latter is according to the law and also happened with David. He has lost four children: the child he conceived in adultery, Amnon, Absalom and Adonijah.

His judgment that the rich man “deserves to die” goes beyond the law. It is inconceivable that David had no exercises of conscience. However, a human being can suppress these exercises. Yet they are there and they appear here in a word about others. If he had not lived in sin himself, he would not have pronounced such a judgment. He pronounces this judgment on himself.

How well we can judge others, while we ourselves may be living in sin (cf. Romans 2:1)! If we realize this deeply, we will pray: ‘Lord, grant that, from what I notice in others, I may learn who I am myself. Give me to take to heart what You say about the log and the speck (Matthew 7:3-5). I want to be discovered in myself, but am I open to it? If You show me something that is not good, give me that the first thing I do is to place myself in Your light so that You can show me who I am. In that attitude, let me go to others to serve’ (Galatians 6:1).

2 Samuel 20:26

A Rich, a Poor and a Traveler

When the child is born, Nathan is sent to David by the LORD. Why did the LORD wait so long? Is it because perhaps He waited in His great patience for David’s confession? However, this confession does not come. Therefore He must come now Himself.

When Nathan arrives at David’s house, he starts telling him a story without any introduction. He has already come to David once before. Then he came with a beautiful word from the LORD about building the house of David (2 Samuel 7:4-17). Now he comes with a message of judgment. He does so in the form of a story to discover David to himself.

In the story Nathan tells, David is the rich man and Uriah the poor man. David is the man who has “a great many flocks and herds”, which represent the many wives he has, which, by the way, is very much against the thoughts of God. The poor man is the man with the one little ewe lamb, the simple soldier Uriah, who has one wife, which, by the way, is very much in accordance with God’s thoughts. In the traveler we see the picture of lust that can present itself just like that. The question is what someone does with this traveler when he visits him. One can send him away or take him into his home. He who takes him into the house, which is in his heart, and gives him food, is in the power of the traveler.

When David hears the story, his “anger burned greatly”. He makes a sharp and twofold judgment. As for him, the rich one “deserves to die”. At the same time, he demands that the rich one compensate the poor with a large amount of compensation: “He must make restitution for the lamb fourfold.” The latter is according to the law and also happened with David. He has lost four children: the child he conceived in adultery, Amnon, Absalom and Adonijah.

His judgment that the rich man “deserves to die” goes beyond the law. It is inconceivable that David had no exercises of conscience. However, a human being can suppress these exercises. Yet they are there and they appear here in a word about others. If he had not lived in sin himself, he would not have pronounced such a judgment. He pronounces this judgment on himself.

How well we can judge others, while we ourselves may be living in sin (cf. Romans 2:1)! If we realize this deeply, we will pray: ‘Lord, grant that, from what I notice in others, I may learn who I am myself. Give me to take to heart what You say about the log and the speck (Matthew 7:3-5). I want to be discovered in myself, but am I open to it? If You show me something that is not good, give me that the first thing I do is to place myself in Your light so that You can show me who I am. In that attitude, let me go to others to serve’ (Galatians 6:1).