Wrong Paths- Murder Series

Series: Israel’s 2nd King- David [#27]

WRONG PATHS- MURDER

2 Samuel 11:14-27

Introduction:

David had been through so much; but things were finally going well for him- He was destroying all of his enemies and building a strong Kingdom. David is an example to us of what happens when we let our guard down. David put himself on some wrong paths- It began with adultery. David followed that up with deceit. David had a plan to make all of this go away. David’s plans had not worked and so as they say, “Desperate times call for desperate measures.” David had no choice but to get rid of Uriah.

2 Samuel 11:14-17

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1. Motive.

David’s refusal to repent of adultery opened the door for him to commit another sin. Knowing his sin would be made known, David arranged to have a brave and loyal soldier killed. The morning after his last plan had failed, David sent a letter to have Uriah killed- In fact, he had Uriah deliver the letter. Uriah was to be placed on the front lines where the fighting was the worst. Joab knew that Uriah would not retreat- That was not who he was.

What was David’s motive? He did not want anyone to know what he had done- It would ruin his reputation. He also did not want to lose his position, power, or possessions. What are your motive for the things you do?

2 Samuel 11:18-27

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2. Influence.

I wonder what Joab thought about his Uncle David, who publicly shamed him when he killed Absalom. Joab did what David asked him to do- He placed Uriah near the gate of the City where the fighting would be the worst. Evidently it appeared to be a tactical mistake on Joab’s part, so he detailed the events for David’s benefit. The Ammonites attacked because Joab’s men were close, then the Israelites pushed them back to the gate of the city where many good men were killed by the arrows of the Ammonite archers. Joab knew David understood warfare and might become upset with the apparent blunder, which resulted with the death of good men. The slain soldiers may have been out of place; but it was for a reason- Uriah was with them. If David became angry, he knew this would calm him down. Joab obediently followed David’s direction, evidently trusting David in the matter.

David received Joab’s message, which was written to provide details concerning the battle and Uriah’s death. It contained information concerning the war- It appeared like a typical wartime message. This was done to prevent anyone questioning what had occurred. It contained information concerning the Ammonite archers killing many good soldiers, including Uriah. At this point, David should have been upset with the loss of good men and should have mourned for them; but the King seemed pleased. David encouraged Joab to continue the battle and to take the City.

Once Bathsheba was informed of her husband’s death, she mourned his loss, (most likely for 7 days). There is no indication that she knew of David’s scheme or was involved. After her time of mourning, Bathsheba became David’s wife. It was not unusual for a King to take a widow to wife immediately after the death of her husband. It was viewed as charitable, since the King would provide for her provisions and protection. In this case, it occurred immediately to hide their sin of adultery. David appeared to be successful. His sins remained unknown, and he married Bathsheba.

2 Samuel 11:27b

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3. Walk with God.

David displeased the Lord. His sin might have been hidden from the world; but it was not hidden from God. He committed adultery and murder. Although he did not kill Uriah with his own hands, the Lord held him accountable for his death. David has been remembered for his sin.