Today’s author is Prince of Peace member Steve Sveom.
As we approach election day we are inundated with partisan bickering, accusations and warnings. The messages try to point out abuse of public trust and even illegal actions. It becomes a challenge to seek the truth during conspiracy theories and attacks on character and competence.
The biblical story of David and Bathsheba is a story about the deep failure of David, long understood as Israel’s hero and key historical figure. How can his moral failure and abuse of his power be so blatant and yet leave him revered?
His behavior was abhorrent. The story indicates that it was the season for fighting enemies. The job of the king was to be with the troops. Instead, David was in his own luxury. Then, as king, he summoned his subject, Bathsheba. With such a power differential, it was serious sexual misconduct and rape. David panicked when Bathsheba sent a message that she was pregnant. He summoned Uriah, Bathsheba’s husband, to come back home. He expected Uriah to be as negligent as David himself. The military code of conduct was that when the troops were in battle, it was not proper to have the comfort of home and a relationship with one’s wife.
Uriah showed a different level of integrity than David. David’s response was to use his power to order Uriah’s death in battle. David didn’t directly murder Uriah, but he gave orders that resulted in Uriah’s death and likely the death of others.
The story continues with the prophet Nathan accusing David and shining a light on David’s moral failure and incompetence. David’s redemption came in his ultimate response of repentance. Psalm 51 is his supposed response: “Have mercy on me, O God, according to your steadfast love; according to your abundant mercy blot out my transgressions.” There were consequences for his actions, yet his ultimate humility and repentance found grace.
Prayer: “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and put a new and right spirit within me. Do not cast me away from your presence, and do not take your holy spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and sustain in me a willing spirit.” (Psalm 51:10-12)