Imagine watching a movie with a plot twist and knowing that the actions of the protagonist would ultimately lead to trouble. Even if you shake your TV, the storyline wouldn’t change. I have a similar experience whenever I read the story of David and Bethsheba. There are times I wished David went to war instead of staying home. There are times I wished I could just cover David’s eye with my palm so he couldn’t see Bethsheba taking her bath. Yet, there are other times I wish I could whisper to David ears not to inquire about Bethsheba. Finally, there are days I wish I could hide Bethsheba so that David’s servants wouldn’t find her. From the trajectory of my wishes, you could trace the progression of David’s desire and the sin it led him to commit. In case you believe God didn’t give David any warning prior to that, you are mistaken. David knew very well that what he was doing was wrong. The consciousness of his actions and his insistence shows that David refused to hear the still small voice from God. Similarly, whenever we are about to make a wrong move, whether a believer or unbeliever, there is this inner voice that prompts us of our actions but most times, the very determined fail to listen to God’s voice of caution. Bethsheba was minding her business in her house. She took a bath which was a good general body hygiene routine. She had just had her period and went to do the monthly purification afterwards (2 Samuel11:4b). David’s insatiable desire did not cease when he was told that Bethsheba was the wife of Uriah. Instead of going to his own wives and concubines to satisfy his desire, David went ahead to do the unthinkable. King David sent messengers to get her. She came to him, and he slept with her. Then she went back home. (2 Samuel 11:4a and c). What was David thinking? He had all the women but Uriah, the loyal soldier, had just one. Sometimes, I wish I would know Bethsheba’s reaction to this situation. Did she refuse? Did she resist the king’s request? Was she forced? Did she give in to David because of fear? Was she promised gifts? Was she excited about being attracted to the king? We might not have answers to all these questions but one thing stands out: David was the giant slayer, the king of Israel and the one who welded all the power, while Bethsheba was a helpless woman, alone in her house, without the presence of her husband. Whatever conspired between David and Bethsheba, before David had intimacy with her, only God knows and God wasn’t pleased at all. The woman conceived and sent word to David, saying, “I am pregnant.” (2 Samuel 11:5) The deal was done. David was satisfied and Bethsheba went back to her home. However, whatever sin is committed in secret would surely come to light. Sometimes it takes time but it will definitely be revealed. Bethsheba went back to her normal routine but what she didn’t know was that the one night spent in the bosom of the king wouldn’t be forgotten just like that. Before long, Bethsheba started seeing changes in her body and her monthly period failed to show up. The woman was in trouble. Her husband was still fighting the battles of Israel and since her last purification, only king David had slept with her. The secret is revealed. David’s desire had translated to a baby. The married woman was pregnant with another man’s child. What! Bethsheba sent word to David, saying, “I am pregnant” (2 Samuel 11:5). I am sure I am not the only one who asks questions like, “why will God allow such sinful acts to be recorded in His Holy book?” Well, a charge for us to avoid such dangerous paths. If David, the man after God’s own heart could condescend to such a sinful situation, we are not immune to sin. Bethsheba might have been worried sick with fear and shame. She did not plan this. What would become of her. According to the law, sleeping with another man other than her husband is liable to punishment. She slept with the king and though she could be exempted from this punishment, what will happen to her marriage? She cannot force the child of the king on her innocent husband. Not many of us want to be in such a situation. The psychological and physical stress alone could make you lose your sanity. Maybe, Bethsheba had no control over what happened between her and David. The lesson for us to learn is that, if you are in a position of power, don’t hurt the people with your actions. If we can avoid compromising situations, we should stay far away from things that could pull the sin trigger. The Bible is clear that the wages of sin is death (Romans 6:23). As much as it depends on you, don’t move to where you will be compromised. Avoid ungodly conversations. Don’t watch things that can trigger certain desires. Bethsheba was just bathing but David saw a woman he could have intimacy with. Avoid people who take you for granted.
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