It's Complicated (S2): WK 3 - FRI
2 Samuel 11:22-25
So the messenger went to Jerusalem and gave a complete report to David. “The enemy
came out against us in the open fields,” he said. “And as we chased them back to the
city gate, the archers on the wall shot arrows at us. Some of the king’s men were
killed, including Uriah the Hittite.”
“Well, tell Joab not to be discouraged,” David said. “The sword devours this one today and
that one tomorrow! Fight harder next time, and conquer the city!”
Psalm 32:11
Rejoice in the LORD and be glad, all you who obey him!
Shout for joy, all you whose hearts are pure!
The messenger shows wisdom and doesn’t wait for David to get angry as he reports the failed attack, during which many of the king’s men died. He mentions Uriah's name from the very beginning. This part of the story highlights two points.
First, awareness of David’s plot is beginning to leak past his inner circle. The pool of those with insight into what he has done is steadily growing. We all know how people talk. Several individuals are likely starting to compare details gathered from whispers and observations. Messengers have been sent to communicate with Bathsheba, bring her to the palace, and exchange notes. Many must have seen the beautiful woman coming and going from David’s quarters not long before her husband's strange visit, during which he sleeps on the palace steps instead of going home. Weird. Now, a messenger returns with tales from the battle, knowing it’s wise to mention the name Uriah when describing a poorly planned battle. Does his tone hint at a wink as courtiers listen? These are the kinds of things people love to talk about.
Second, the difference between David’s usual response and this specific situation is revealing. David would naturally be furious about losing his good men due to poor leadership. Most likely, those nearby would have overheard the king, experienced in warfare, criticizing those who failed to meet his standards. Here, he reacts to the bad news by saying, “Well, you win some and you lose some.” Onlookers would have noticed the sharp drop in his standards because of his sin.
There is one more problem to recognize, a silent one. Have you ever noticed how exhausting it is to carry guilt? With each passing moment, the burden on David grows heavier. Likely, over the next few months, his personality will diminish, and depression will take over. He will struggle to live with his new identity as a mass murderer, abuser, and the opposite of everything he had hoped to be as king. Years later, David would describe what it was like. “When I kept silent, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long. For day and night your hand was heavy upon me; my strength was sapped as in the heat of summer.” (Psalm 32:3)
By the end of next week’s study, Nathan will confront David, and his humiliation will be complete. This will lead to confession, repentance, forgiveness, and the healing that comes from stepping into the light. There is more to come. But for now, listen carefully to another part of David’s reflection on this experience: “Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity. I said, ‘I will confess my transgressions to the LORD’—and you forgave the guilt of my sin.” (Psalm 32:5)
1. When was the last time you were asked to deliver bad news? What did you do to try to
make it more palatable? How was it taken?
2. Have you ever suffered a change in personality from guilt? What did you do to change
that? Are you still suffering? What could you ask Jesus to carry for you?
So the messenger went to Jerusalem and gave a complete report to David. “The enemy
came out against us in the open fields,” he said. “And as we chased them back to the
city gate, the archers on the wall shot arrows at us. Some of the king’s men were
killed, including Uriah the Hittite.”
“Well, tell Joab not to be discouraged,” David said. “The sword devours this one today and
that one tomorrow! Fight harder next time, and conquer the city!”
Psalm 32:11
Rejoice in the LORD and be glad, all you who obey him!
Shout for joy, all you whose hearts are pure!
The messenger shows wisdom and doesn’t wait for David to get angry as he reports the failed attack, during which many of the king’s men died. He mentions Uriah's name from the very beginning. This part of the story highlights two points.
First, awareness of David’s plot is beginning to leak past his inner circle. The pool of those with insight into what he has done is steadily growing. We all know how people talk. Several individuals are likely starting to compare details gathered from whispers and observations. Messengers have been sent to communicate with Bathsheba, bring her to the palace, and exchange notes. Many must have seen the beautiful woman coming and going from David’s quarters not long before her husband's strange visit, during which he sleeps on the palace steps instead of going home. Weird. Now, a messenger returns with tales from the battle, knowing it’s wise to mention the name Uriah when describing a poorly planned battle. Does his tone hint at a wink as courtiers listen? These are the kinds of things people love to talk about.
Second, the difference between David’s usual response and this specific situation is revealing. David would naturally be furious about losing his good men due to poor leadership. Most likely, those nearby would have overheard the king, experienced in warfare, criticizing those who failed to meet his standards. Here, he reacts to the bad news by saying, “Well, you win some and you lose some.” Onlookers would have noticed the sharp drop in his standards because of his sin.
There is one more problem to recognize, a silent one. Have you ever noticed how exhausting it is to carry guilt? With each passing moment, the burden on David grows heavier. Likely, over the next few months, his personality will diminish, and depression will take over. He will struggle to live with his new identity as a mass murderer, abuser, and the opposite of everything he had hoped to be as king. Years later, David would describe what it was like. “When I kept silent, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long. For day and night your hand was heavy upon me; my strength was sapped as in the heat of summer.” (Psalm 32:3)
By the end of next week’s study, Nathan will confront David, and his humiliation will be complete. This will lead to confession, repentance, forgiveness, and the healing that comes from stepping into the light. There is more to come. But for now, listen carefully to another part of David’s reflection on this experience: “Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity. I said, ‘I will confess my transgressions to the LORD’—and you forgave the guilt of my sin.” (Psalm 32:5)
1. When was the last time you were asked to deliver bad news? What did you do to try to
make it more palatable? How was it taken?
2. Have you ever suffered a change in personality from guilt? What did you do to change
that? Are you still suffering? What could you ask Jesus to carry for you?
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