Topical Bible: David: King of Israel is Chastised With Grievous Affliction on Account of his Crime

◄ David: King of Israel is Chastised With Grievous Affliction on Account of his Crime ►

Jump to: Nave's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

David, the second king of Israel, is a central figure in the biblical narrative, renowned for his military prowess, poetic contributions, and deep relationship with God. However, his life is also marked by significant moral failings, which led to divine chastisement. One of the most notable instances of this is the grievous affliction that befell him following his sin with Bathsheba.

The Crime

David's transgression begins with his adulterous affair with Bathsheba, the wife of Uriah the Hittite. The account is detailed in 2 Samuel 11. While his army was at war, David remained in Jerusalem. From his rooftop, he saw Bathsheba bathing and was captivated by her beauty. Despite knowing she was married, David summoned her and committed adultery. When Bathsheba became pregnant, David attempted to cover up the sin by recalling Uriah from battle, hoping he would sleep with his wife and believe the child was his. Uriah, however, refused to enjoy the comforts of home while his fellow soldiers were in the field. In a desperate move, David orchestrated Uriah's death by sending him to the front lines of battle, where he was killed.

Divine Rebuke and Chastisement

The Lord was displeased with David's actions, and He sent the prophet Nathan to confront the king. Nathan delivered a parable of a rich man who took a poor man's only lamb, stirring David's anger against such injustice. Nathan then revealed, "You are the man!" (2 Samuel 12:7), exposing David's sin. Nathan declared God's judgment: "Now, therefore, the sword will never depart from your house, because you have despised Me and taken the wife of Uriah the Hittite to be your own" (2 Samuel 12:10).

David's chastisement was severe. The child born to David and Bathsheba fell ill and died despite David's fasting and prayers (2 Samuel 12:15-18). This was the immediate consequence of his sin, but the repercussions extended further into his family life. Nathan prophesied that calamity would arise from within David's own house, a prediction that came to pass through the rebellion of his son Absalom and other familial strife.

Repentance and Restoration

Despite the grievous nature of his sin, David's response to Nathan's rebuke was one of genuine repentance. He confessed, "I have sinned against the LORD" (2 Samuel 12:13). His contrition is poignantly expressed in Psalm 51, a psalm of repentance attributed to David following his sin with Bathsheba. In it, David pleads for mercy, cleansing, and a renewed spirit, acknowledging his transgressions and seeking restoration with God.

David's life serves as a profound example of the seriousness of sin and the reality of divine chastisement. Yet, it also illustrates the possibility of forgiveness and restoration through sincere repentance. Despite the consequences of his actions, David remained a man after God's own heart, demonstrating the depth of God's grace and the enduring nature of His covenant with David.

Nave's Topical Index

Psalm 38:1
O lord, rebuke me not in your wrath: neither chasten me in your hot displeasure.
Nave's Topical Index

Psalm 41:1
Blessed is he that considers the poor: the LORD will deliver him in time of trouble.
Nave's Topical Index

Psalm 69:1
Save me, O God; for the waters are come in to my soul.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

"This Thing is from Me"
... So when all Israel saw that the king hearkened not unto them, the people
answered the king, saying, What portion have we in David? ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 42 1896/this thing is from me.htm

The Pilgrim's Progress
... Thus it happened to Israel: for their sin they were sent back again by ... that they
went on their way to a pleasant river, which David the king called "the ...
/.../wells/bible stories and religious classics/the pilgrims progress.htm

Penitence, as Explained in the Sophistical Jargon of the Schoolmen ...
... not "for your sakes, O house of Israel, but for ... they would have seen in the correction
of David a very ... as a slave for his offense: the former is chastised as a ...
/.../the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 4 penitence as explained.htm

The Resurrection of the Dead, and Eternal Judgment:
... to be any more in this world, as David, whom Peter ... grave be invincible, and death
be "the king of terrors ... is no such ridiculous thing in the account of Christ ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the resurrection of the dead.htm

An Exposition on the First Ten Chapters of Genesis, and Part of ...
... which art now upon the waves of affliction and temptation ... this world; so the whale
is called, king over all ... unto me, Go, prophesy unto my people Israel" (Amos 7 ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/an exposition on the first.htm

Mr. Bunyan's Last Sermon:
... of it, and consequently fit for the King of glory ... 8). Thus, therefore, he now went
on bewailing his sinful sleep ... Thus it happened to Israel, for their sin; they ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/mr bunyans last sermon .htm

part i
... assure him that having been "a little chastised he shall ... know that the gracious gaze
of a king does not ... Him after falling away will be very grievous, and will ...
//christianbookshelf.org/calvin/my life in christ/part i.htm