2 Samuel 11

Bob Utley · Citado em PreceptAustin

2 Samuel 11

Utley writes "the NOUN "kings" is not in the Masoretic Text but the spelling of a similar term, "messengers." king ‒ מלך messenger ‒ מלאך. Although the Masoretic Text has "messengers," the Masoretic scholars suggested it be read as "kings" (Qere). The Septuagint has "Kings." NET NOTE adds "Codex Leningrad (B19A), on which BHS (Biblica Hebraica Stuttgartensia) is based, has here “messengers” (הַמַּלְאכִים, hammal’khim), probably as the result of contamination from the occurrence of that word in 2Sa 11:4. The present translation (NET Bible) follows most Hebrew Manuscripts and the ancient versions, which read “kings” (הַמֶּלָאכִים, hammela’kim)." But - (Term of contrast) But is a hinge word, a small word that can open big doors and none would be bigger than this one for King David! In fact this is undoubtedly one of the most strategic terms of contrast in David's life. Remember that "but" marks a change of direction, an "about face" if you will, and this "but" (as alluded to above) would mark a change of direction that would affect the remainder of David's life. Small moments can have momentous consequences! The hinge word BUT in this context opened the door for David to a dusty, dirty road. Henry Ward Beecher said "If you are idle, you are on the road to ruin, and there are few stopping-places upon it. It is rather a precipice than a road." David stayed at Jerusalem - I like the nuance of the KJV rendering which says "David tarried still at Jerusalem." To tarry means to be late or tardy in beginning or doing anything. If you review the last section of the previous chapter in which there were several military battles, note that in the last battle with the Arameans we read "Now when it was told David, he gathered all Israel together and crossed the Jordan, and came to Helam. And the Arameans arrayed themselves to meet David and fought against him." (2Sa 10:17+) So clearly at that time David had personally led his forces, but this time it just happened that he stayed at Jerusalem which was very unusual, for David was expected to accompany his troops. Idle hands are the devil's playground! The devil finds work of idle hands! -- Cambridge Dictionary Chuck Swindoll writes that David is "like a seawall standing against a pounding sea of temptation. And the water is about to pour through his weakest points. His failure can be traced to three breaches- (1) Polygamy and Lust - David make have been following the cultural norm for monarchs in his day, but by accumulating wives and concubines, he was violating God's higher standard. In Dt 17:17+ God said that Israel's king should not "multiply wives for himself, lest his heart turn away."...As his harem grew, so did his lust. The more a person indulges the sexual appetite, the more it increases (ED: WOE! MEN YOU MAY WANT TO READ THAT SENTENCE AGAIN!) For David, this meant that even a houseful of women was not enough to keep his eyes from wandering. (2) Vulnerability - David's military prowess had expanded his scope of power from the Euphrates River to the Red Sea. No enemy could stand against his mighty hand (ED: WITH ONE EXCEPTION - THE ENEMY WITHIN! OUR FALLEN FLESH - cf 1Pe 2:11+, Ro 6:12-13+), for "the LORD helped David wherever he went." (2Sa 8:6, 14+). Vassal kings brought him tribute, with money and honor flowing in like a river of gold. Success, however, can be deceptively dangerous, particularly when we credit ourselves for it and get a swollen head. Never are we more vulnerable to the temptations of pride, self-indulgence, and unaccountability (ED: JONATHAN, HIS KINDRED SPIRIT WAS DEAD - 1Sa 18:3+) than when we have it all, and David was no exception. (3) Indulgence - When his troops marched off to war, David did not share the hardships of battle with them but remained at Jerusalem (2Sa 11:1).....While most kings were fighting alongside their men in battle, David cushioned himself in his palace, savoring the sweet wine of success. Susceptibility to lust, vulnerability to pride, and idleness. A dangerous combination--one that primed David for disaster." (Bolding added - Borrow David - Man of A Passion, Man of Destiny). Satan finds some mischief still for idle hands to do. - Isaac Watts If you are idle, be not solitary, if you are solitary, be not idle. -- Samuel Johnson Warren

2 Samuel 11

Utley has an interesting note on saw a woman bathing - This was not unusual - (1) a bath at the end of the day (2) a bath in one's back yard/courtyard or a room of the house (3) a bath of purification after a woman's period (cf. Lev 15:19; i.e., to show she was not already pregnant) Just a word about ceremonial uncleanness. Any bodily fluid made one ceremonially unclean (cf. 2Sa 11:4). This has nothing to do with morality but the Israelites' sense of "the holy/sacred." Sex is not an "unclean" act. Sex was God's design and will for mankind (cf. Ge 1:28; 9:1,7). Walton - Bathsheba’s bathing is probably an act of purification following her menstrual cycle (see 2 Sam 11:4). This would be based on the laws of ritual purity as described in Leviticus 15:19-24. It is uncertain whether her intent in bathing on the roof was simply to use the air to help dry herself or whether she used the opportunity to bring herself to the attention of the king. (IVP Background Commentary) Dietrich Bonhoeffer describes the struggle in David (and all of us) when his desires took control - In our members there is a slumbering inclination toward desire which is both sudden and fierce. With irresistible power, desire seizes mastery of the flesh. All at once, a secret smoldering fire is kindled. The flesh burns and is in flames. In this moment, God is quite unreal to us. And Satan does not here fill us with hatred of God, but with a forgetfulness of God. The lust thus aroused envelops the mind and the will in deepest darkness. It is here that everything in me rises up against the word of God. At this moment God is quite unreal to us, He loses all reality, and only desire for the creature is real; the only reality is the devil. Satan does not here fill us with hatred of God, but with forgetfulness of God....The lust thus aroused envelopes the mind and will of man in deepest darkness. The powers of clear discrimination and of decision are taken from us. The questions present themselves as, "Is wha the flesh desires really sin in this case?" And, "Is it really not permitted to me, yes, expected o men now, here in my particular situation to appease the desire?".... It is here that everything within me rises up against the Word of God...Therefore the Bible teaches us in times of temptation in the flesh, there is one command: Flee! Flee fornication. Flee idolatry. Flee youthful lusts. Flee the lusts of the world. There is no resistance to Satan (OR OUR FLESH) in lust other than flight. Every struggle against lust in one's own strength is doomed to failure."(Borrow Temptation By: Bonhoeffer, Dietrich, 1906-1945) THOUGHT - What's the take home point? Run or fall! Sooner or later! Swindoll adds "When you run from temptation, lust backs off. It is the only counsel that works for me. If you try to fight it, you will fall. Again, it's only a matter of time! David stood on the roof of that palace in the night air, with no one else around, and he lost all cognizance of who he was or what would happen if he fell into that sin. As the smoldering desire down inside burst into flames, God became quite distant and unreal to him. He forgot that he was God’s man. He forgot all the lessons he had learned during the days of his youth and during his fugitive years in the wilderness. He forgot God!" Let's look a little deeper into the giant that slew David, the giant named "lust!" In 2 Samuel 5:12-13+ we see the roots of lust being cultivated... And David realized that the LORD had established him as king over Israel, and that He had exalted his kingdom for the sake of His people Israel. 13 Meanwhile David took more concubines and wives from Jerusalem, after he came from Hebron; and more sons and daughters were born to David. (DAVID DISOBEYED Dt 17:17+ SO 2 SAMUEL 11 DOES NOT HAPPEN IN A VACUUM!) David was instructed to write out a copy of the law so that he might obey it, Dt 17:18-20+ stating... Now it shall come about when he sits on the throne of his kingdom, he shall write for himself a copy of this law on a scroll in the presence of the Levitical priests. 19 “It shall be with him and he shall read it all the days of his life, that he may learn to fear the LORD his God, by carefully observing all the words of this law and these statutes, 20 that his heart may not be lifted up above his countrymen and that he may not turn aside from the commandment, to the right or the left , so that he and his sons may continue long in his kingdom in the midst of Israel. That would have been a good preventative for David (cf Ps 119:9-11+) and should have encouraged him to obey God's instructions in Dt. 17:14-17+ which say... When you enter the land which the LORD your God gives you, and you possess it and live in it, and you say, ‘I will set a king over me like all the nations who are around me,’ 15 you shall surely set a king over you whom the LORD your God chooses, one from among your countrymen you shall set as king over yourselves; you may not put a foreigner over yourselves who is not your countryman. 16“Moreover, he shall not multiply horses for himself, nor shall he cause the people to return to Egypt to multiply horses, since the LORD has said to you, ‘You shall never again return that way.’ 17 “He shall not multiply wives for himself, or else his heart will turn away; nor shall he greatly increase silver and gold for himself. Notice that the king was forbidden to do three things: 1. He was not to accumulate horses. 2. He was not to accumulate wives. 3. He was not to accumulate gold and silver. Alan Carr makes some excellent observations and gives some wise advice on the preceding texts writing "David had honored God’s command regarding items number one and three. David had disabled the horses taken in battle, 2 Sam. 8:4. He had also dedicated the gold and silver taken as spoil in battle to the Lord, 2 Sam. 8:7-12. But, he had disregarded what God had to say about accumulating wives. David had a giant, and if a name had to be attached to this giant, I think “Lust” would be appropriate. It appears that David had strong sexual desires and sought to satisfy his urges by accumulating women. But, David, like many others, discovered that many sexual partners will not satisfy your sexual desires, they will only increase them. David had problems with a spiritual giant named “Lust.” You may not battle that one, but you know the name of the one or ones you do battle. In fact, if you have never done it, it might be good for you to identify the identity of you giant. Admitting that it exists is the first step in seeing it defeated! David’s Giant Constructed – Where did this giant of lust come from? How did this giant obtain the power necessary to overcome a “man after God’s Own heart”? There are several factors that combined to allow David’s own giant the power to attack his life. 1. Neglect of Duty – As King, David should have led his men into battle and not stayed at home while they were out fighting and dying. 2. Idle Time – David was in bed when he should have been in the battle! Too much free time allows the mind time to wander in areas where it ought not to be. An old English proverb says “An idle mind is the devil’s workshop.” 3. Success – David enjoyed absolute success and victory over all the enemies of Israel. Success is a heady thing! But, you are never more vulnerable than when you have just enjoyed a great success. People tend to develop a feeling of invincibility. 4. Pride – David knew that God was with him, 2 Sa. 5:12. He may have let that knowledge go to his head. He may have forgotten the truth that God will walk with those who are going His way, Amos 3:3. You see, when people are passing through hard times, they become very dependent upon the Lord. There is no room for pride when you are depending on the Lord for everything you need. But, when success come, when the dreams are fulfilled, when you have what you want, it is easy to become lifted up in pride. 5. Arrogance – David had come to believe his own press! He believed that he was everything people said he was. He reveled in his celebrity and it became his downfall, Pro. 16:18. We all need someone around us who will tell us the truth about ourselves and help us stay humble before the Lord. 6. Neglect of the Spiritual Man – We can only speculate, but it seems that David was guilty of neglecting his spiritual health. People who stay close to the Lord through prayer and reading and meditating upon His Word do not do what David did. Now, I do not want to be too hard on David. There are times when we are all guilty of feeding our own giants until they become so powerful that they overwhelm us. When you see yourself falling into the trap that David fell into, you need to know that your giant is going to get out of hand. When he does, he will not stop until he has nearly destroyed you, your life and your testimony. (THE GIANT THAT SLEW DAVID) Brian Bell - Family Counselor J. Allan Pettersen lists in his book, The Myth of the Greener Grass (borrow): 1. No one however chosen, blessed & used of God, is immune to an extramarital affair 2. Anyone, regardless of how many victories he has won, can fall disastrously. 3. The act of infidelity is the result of uncontrolled desires, thoughts, and fantasies. 4. Your body is your servant or it becomes your master. 5. A Christian who falls will excuse, rationalize, and conceal, the same as anyone else. 6. Sin can be enjoyable but it can never be successfully covered. 7. One night of passion can spark years of family pain. 8. [Listen to this!] Failure is neither fatal nor final! ILLUSTRATION - The mighty Niagara River plummets some 180 feet at the American and Horseshoe Falls. Before the falls, there are violent, turbulent rapids. Farther upstream, however, where the river’s current flows more gently, boats are able to navigate. Just before the Welland River empties into the Niagara, a pedestrian walkway spans the river. Posted on this bridge’s pylons is a warning sign for all boaters: “Do you have an anchor?” followed by, “Do you know how to use it?” ILLUSTRATION - Columnist Herb Caen wrote in the San Francisco Chronicle: “Every morning in Africa, a gazelle wakes up. It knows it must run faster than the fastest lion or it will be killed. Every morning a lion wakes up. It knows it must outrun the slowest gazelle or it will starve to death. It doesn’t matter whether you are a lion or a gazelle; when the sun comes up, you’d better be running.” Adrian Rogers - There's a lesson here for all of us. David was a great man, yet he fell into sin. We are warned in 1 Corinthians 10:12: "Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall." In an effort to avoid backsliding like David, it is important for us to understand what led him to this point. The Cause of David's Backsliding In the beginning, David's sin was simply the sin of casualness. It was the time when kings went to war, yet King David stayed behind. He was not doing anything wrong in itself; he was just failing to do what was right. It was also a sin of carelessness. He had too much free time. He didn't rise from his bed until evening. He became careless and failed to keep up his guard. Then, it was a sin of compulsiveness. He didn't intend to sin. It just happened. So often, sin is an undetected weakness, an unexpected opportunity, and an unprotected life. Finally, his sin became one of callousness. He became hardened by deceitfulness (Heb 3:13+). In chapter eleven, we read that David had Bathsheba's husband, his devoted servant, killed in order to protect his pride. These are the causes of his sin, but I want you to see how David suffered and how God dealt in his life after his sin. The Cost of David's Backsliding David needed mercy, but he tried to cover his sin. Proverbs 28:13 says, "He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy." If he had only confessed his sin quickly, but about a year went by with David's unconfessed sin eating at his heart. He recalled this time as he wrote Psalm 32:3-4, "When I kept silence, my bones waxed old through my roaring all the day long. For day and night Thy hand was heavy upon me: my moisture is turned into the drought of summer." If you've ever had sin in your life and tried to ignore it, you know what David was dealing with. Believe me, the most miserable man in the world is not an unsaved man. It's a saved man out of fellowship with God. The Crisis of David's Backsliding God loved David too much to let him go on in his sin. He brought him to a crisis. And He also loves us enough to confront us with our sin. First of all, God convicted David. If you can live in sin, dabble in it, and not be convicted over it; there's no doubt — you've never been saved. If you are saved, God will convict you. And God chastised him. Hebrews 12:6 clearly states: "For whom the Lord loveth He chasteneth...." Chastisement can come in different ways — maybe sickness, heartache, or financial reverse. Then, God challenged David and He will also bring you to a crisis. God sent Nathan the prophet to David. Perhaps your challenge may come from your wife, one of your children, a pastor, or a friend. Finally, there was consummation. David was about to be killed if he didn't get right with God. Nathan said to David, "The LORD also hath put away thy sin; thou shalt not die." Thank God David repented of his sin, and his life was spared. When God brings the challenge, and you respond with cold-blooded rebellion, you're living dangerously. David was a great man, but he strayed away from God. And don't think that it can't happen even to you! Like David, you can slip into sin. But also like David, God wants to forgive and restore you and help you find your way home. DAVID'S REIGN AS KING OF ISRAEL TRIUMPH 2 Sa 1-10 TROUBLE 2 Sa 11-27 Fame Shame Success Sorrow Rise Fall Advances Adversities Conquering Conquered 2 Samuel 11:3 So David sent and inquired about the woman. And one said, "Is this not Bathsheba, the daughter of Eliam, the wife of Uriah the Hittite?" BGT 2 Samuel 11:3 καὶ ἀπέστειλεν Δαυιδ καὶ ἐζήτησεν τὴν γυναῖκα καὶ εἶπεν οὐχὶ αὕτη Βηρσαβεε θυγάτηρ Ελιαβ γυνὴ Ουριου τοῦ Χετταίου LXE 2 Samuel 11:3 And David sent and enquired about the woman: and one said, Is not this Bersabee the daughter of Eliab, the wife of Urias the Chettite? KJV 2 Samuel 11:3 And David sent and enquired after the woman. And one said, Is not this Bathsheba, the daughter of Eliam, the wife of Uriah the Hittite? NET 2 Samuel 11:3 So David sent someone to inquire about the woman. The messenger said, "Isn't this Bathsheba, the daughter of Eliam, the wife of Uriah the Hittite?" CSB 2 Samuel 11:3 So David sent someone to inquire about her, and he reported, "This is Bathsheba, daughter of Eliam and wife of Uriah the Hittite." ESV 2 Samuel 11:3 And David sent and inquired about the woman. And one said, "Is not this Bathsheba, the daughter of Eliam, the wife of Uriah the Hittite?" NIV 2 Samuel 11:3 and David sent someone to find out about her. The man said, "Isn't this Bathsheba, the daughter of Eliam and the wife of Uriah the Hittite?" NLT 2 Samuel 11:3 He sent someone to find out who she was, and he was told, "She is Bathsheba, the daughter of Eliam and the wife of Uriah the Hittite." NRS 2 Samuel 11:3 David sent someone to inquire about the woman. It was reported, "This is Bathsheba daughter of Eliam, the wife of Uriah the Hittite." NJB 2 Samuel 11:3 David made enquiries about this woman and was told, 'Why, that is Bathsheba daughter of Eliam and wife of Uriah the Hittite.' NAB 2 Samuel 11:3 David had inquiries made about the woman and was told, "She is Bathsheba, daughter of Eliam, and wife of (Joab's armor-bearer) Uriah the Hittite." YLT 2 Samuel 11:3 and David sendeth and inquireth about the woman, and saith, 'Is not this Bath-Sheba, daughter of Eliam, wife of Uriah the Hittite?' GWN 2 Samuel 11:3 David sent someone to ask about the woman. The man said, "She's Bathsheba, daughter of Eliam and wife of Uriah the Hittite." BBE 2 Samuel 11:3 And David sent to get knowledge who the woman was. And one said, Is this not Bath-sheba, the daughter of Eliam and wife of Uriah the Hittite? sent: Jer 5:8 Ho 7:6,7 Jas 1:14,15 Eliam: or, Ammiel, 1Ch 3:5 Uriah: 2Sa 23:39 1Ch 11:41 Related Passages: Romans 13:13-14+ Let us behave properly as in the day, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual promiscuity and sensuality, not in strife and jealousy. 14 But put on (aorist imperative see our need to depend on the Holy Spirit to obey; see The Holy Spirit-Walking Like Jesus Walked!) the Lord Jesus Christ , and make no provision (present imperative with a negative see our need to depend on the Holy Spirit to obey) for the flesh in regard to its lusts. DAVID BEGINS TO MAKE PROVISION FOR THE LUST OF THE FLESH So - For this reason. What reason? The fact that David arose...walked around...saw. Clearly he did not just glance but he gazed or may have even gawked which is apropos for it means to stare openly and stupidly. David's subsequent actions were stupid! The thought (through the eyegate) was sown, which is always a dangerous thing if the thought is sinful as the little ditty says... Sow a thought; reap a habit. Sow a habit; reap a lifestyle. Sow a lifestyle; and reap a destiny. David sent and inquired about the woman - David clearly had access to the Spirit's power for 1Sa 16:13+ says "the Spirit of the LORD came mightily upon David from that day forward." To use Paul's NT description David could have walked by the Spirit and then he would have not carried out the desire of his flesh (Gal 5:16+). Instead, he yielded to his fallen flesh which took over his will and he began making provision for the lust of his flesh (Ro 13:14+) as indicated by the two verbs, sent and inquired. Instead he should had practiced 2Ti 2:22+ "Now flee (present imperative see our need to depend on the Holy Spirit to obey) from youthful lusts and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart (THOUGHT- WHAT DOES THIS DESCRIBE? AN ACCOUNTABILITY PARTNER!!! DO YOU HAVE ONE? IF NOT, YOU ARE VULNERABLE!!! GET ONE!!!)." As noted David clearly had access to the supernatural power Source, the Holy Spirit (1Sa 16:13+), so he was without excuse for not fleeing back into his palace bedroom! Note the similarity to the pattern of Achan's sin in Joshua 7 (which cost Israel a defeat and destroyed his family just as David's sin would soon do to his family!), Achan confessing (too little, too late!) to Joshua that "when I SAW among the spoil a beautiful (SAME HEBREW WORD FOR BATHSHEBA - 2Sa 11:2) mantle from Shinar and two hundred shekels of silver and a bar of gold fifty shekels in weight, THEN (MARKS PROGRESSION IN NARRATIVE) I COVETED them and TOOK (SAME VERB FOR DAVID TAKING BATHSHEBA! 2Sa 11:4) them; and behold, they are concealed in the earth inside my tent with the silver underneath it.” (Joshua 7:21+) And one said, "Is this not Bathsheba ("daughter of the oath"), the daughter of Eliam, the wife of Uriah (“Yahweh is my light”) the Hittite - In short, clear English (or Hebrew) - "This lady is married!" David's servants had more wisdom than David clearly identifying Bathsheba as a married woman, who was married to one of David's elite troops, his mighty men (2Sa 23:39, 1Ch 11:41). Their warning signals do not even register with David, for at that moment God was "quite unreal" (see Bonhoeffer below) to him. Swindoll adds "I find that statement incredibly significant. This soft-footed servant offered the king a subtle warning of wisdom. Normally in Israel they would give the genealogy of a person without relation to their mate. They would give the name of the person, the father’s name, the grandfather’s name, and, on occasion, the great-grandfather. But this servant says, “She is Bathsheba, the daughter of Eliam, the wife of Uriah.” In other words, “The lady’s married.” I believe that the servant knew exactly what David was thinking. He could see her down there. He was a man as well. He knew his master. He’d seen the harem. He’d watched David operate with women, and so he warned him as he answered him. But it doesn’t even seem to register with David. At that moment God was “quite unreal” to David. Out of control, he said no to all the things he should have said yes to, and yes to all the things he should have said no to. By now his desire for sexual pleasure with that woman was paramount. He moved quickly, ignoring any warning and all consequences." (Borrow David : A Man of Passion & Destiny) The servants also knew that Bathsheba's father was Eliam, a member of David’s special cadre of mighty men (2Sa 23:34) and his father was Ahithophel, one of David’s most respected advisors (2Sa 15:12; 16:23). Ahithophel would be one of the men who would betray David and join Absalom to overthrow the kingdom (2Sa 15:12). Could it be that Ahithophel’s treason was related to how David had treated his granddaughter, Bathsheba? The servants' information should have served as roadblocks to David's passion, but it had already begun to flame up and truth and reason would not be able to extinguish it. THOUGHT - Isn't that the way temptation works in our heart beloved. The temptation comes into our eye (especially us men) and then into our mind. It is at that moment we can flee and escape its snare. The temptation is not yet sin, but it soon will be, for we are on the "razor's edge," and have only a moment to decide to follow the Spirit or the flesh (Gal 5:17+). We can choose the Philippians 4:8+ approach and let our mind dwell on "whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise." (cf Pr 23:7a) You cannot think two thoughts at the same time! (See also the related principle of the Expulsive Power of a new affection or another principle Vertical Vision or Jesus' advice in Mt 26:41+) But if, instead, we to choose to savor the tempting thought instead of killing it (Ro 8:13, 14+, Col 3:5+) or replacing it with godly, holy thoughts, we will soon be ensnared by it and will be catapulted into an irreversible downward spiral to commit the sin which the temptation is crying out for us to "enjoy" for unfortunately sin is pleasurable...but only for a moment! (cf Heb 11:25b+). Swindoll - David's conscience is so numbed that his servant's warning about Bathsheba being married to one of the king's elite warriors doesn't even jab it awake (2Sa 23:39 1Ch 11:41). Within minutes she is standing before him!" Uriah was a non-Israelite who was one of David's mighty men (2Sa 23:39) and as shown in this chapter was clearly an honorable man. Utley - David had many wives (as Nathan would later assert, 2Sa 12:1-4) but this was Uriah's only wife. This was a spur of the moment lust experience (cf. v 2c). This was abuse of power at the highest level (both political and spiritual). Alan Redpath - As I think of what happened, of this I am sure, that it did not happen all at once. This matter of Bathsheba was simply the climax of something that had been going on in his life for twenty years.” (The Making of a Man of God - Life of David)

2 Samuel 11

Utley has an interesting note - Apparently Uriah viewed this battle as "holy war" and knew the requirements of Deut. 23:9-11; 1 Sam. 21:5. He was a faithful convert to the Mosaic covenant of YHWH. Uriah drunk proved to be a better man than David sober! -- Warren Wiersbe 2 Samuel 11:14 Now in the morning David wrote a letter to Joab and sent it by the hand of Uriah. BGT 2 Samuel 11:14 καὶ ἐγένετο πρωὶ καὶ ἔγραψεν Δαυιδ βιβλίον πρὸς Ιωαβ καὶ ἀπέστειλεν ἐν χειρὶ Ουριου LXE 2 Samuel 11:14 And the morning came, and David wrote a letter to Joab, and sent it by the hand of Urias. KJV 2 Samuel 11:14 And it came to pass in the morning, that David wrote a letter to Joab, and sent it by the hand of Uriah. NET 2 Samuel 11:14 In the morning David wrote a letter to Joab and sent it with Uriah. CSB 2 Samuel 11:14 The next morning David wrote a letter to Joab and sent it with Uriah. ESV 2 Samuel 11:14 In the morning David wrote a letter to Joab and sent it by the hand of Uriah. NIV 2 Samuel 11:14 In the morning David wrote a letter to Joab and sent it with Uriah. NLT 2 Samuel 11:14 So the next morning David wrote a letter to Joab and gave it to Uriah to deliver. NRS 2 Samuel 11:14 In the morning David wrote a letter to Joab, and sent it by the hand of Uriah. NJB 2 Samuel 11:14 Next morning David wrote a letter to Joab and sent it by Uriah. NAB 2 Samuel 11:14 The next morning David wrote a letter to Joab which he sent by Uriah. YLT 2 Samuel 11:14 And it cometh to pass in the morning, that David writeth a letter unto Joab, and sendeth by the hand of Uriah; GWN 2 Samuel 11:14 In the morning David wrote a letter to Joab and sent it with Uriah. BBE 2 Samuel 11:14 Now in the morning, David gave Uriah a letter to take to Joab. wrote a letter: 1Ki 21:8-10 Ps 19:13 52:2 62:9 Jer 9:1-4 17:9 Mic 7:3-5 DESPERATE DAVID BEGINS HIS THIRD ATTEMPT TO COVER SIN Now - This is a very significant time phrase, for it marks David's deception and cover-up crossing the line from bad to worse. As Swindoll says "He can steal the man’s wife, but he can’t manipulate the woman’s husband. Uriah will not cooperate. So David, in greater panic, escalates his plot to the next level." (Ibid) In the morning David wrote a letter to Joab and sent it by the hand of Uriah - This was a morning, that David would live to regret and play over in his mind for months to come during which he refused to confess his sin (cf Ps 32:3-4+). David has no scruples by this time. His flesh is in full control mode, so that he even has the gall to have Uriah carry his own death warrant to Joab! THOUGHT - We can hardly believe David is this callous, but this is the hardening effect of sin on David's (and our) heart! Don't be deceived! Sin hardens! (See R C Sproul's related devotional below) F B

2 Samuel 11

Utley - This premeditated murder of Uriah also involved the death of other innocent Israeli soldiers (cf. 2Sa 11:17-20). Oh my, the sin of the king involved (1) the compromise of the army leaders and elite soldiers (2) the death of innocent men, in v. 16 they are called "valiant men" and (3) compromise of the morality of the messengers (2Sa 11:4, 2Sa 11:19-25). 2 Samuel 11:16 So it was as Joab kept watch on the city, that he put Uriah at the place where he knew there were valiant men. BGT 2 Samuel 11:16 καὶ ἐγενήθη ἐν τῷ φυλάσσειν Ιωαβ ἐπὶ τὴν πόλιν καὶ ἔθηκεν τὸν Ουριαν εἰς τὸν τόπον οὗ ᾔδει ὅτι ἄνδρες δυνάμεως ἐκεῖ LXE 2 Samuel 11:16 And it came to pass while Joab was watching against the city, that he set Urias in a place where he knew that valiant men were. KJV 2 Samuel 11:16 And it came to pass, when Joab observed the city, that he assigned Uriah unto a place where he knew that valiant men were. NET 2 Samuel 11:16 So as Joab kept watch on the city, he stationed Uriah at the place where he knew the best enemy soldiers were. CSB 2 Samuel 11:16 When Joab was besieging the city, he put Uriah in the place where he knew the best enemy soldiers were. ESV 2 Samuel 11:16 And as Joab was besieging the city, he assigned Uriah to the place where he knew there were valiant men. NIV 2 Samuel 11:16 So while Joab had the city under siege, he put Uriah at a place where he knew the strongest defenders were. NLT 2 Samuel 11:16 So Joab assigned Uriah to a spot close to the city wall where he knew the enemy's strongest men were fighting. NRS 2 Samuel 11:16 As Joab was besieging the city, he assigned Uriah to the place where he knew there were valiant warriors. NJB 2 Samuel 11:16 Joab, then besieging the city, stationed Uriah at a point where he knew that there would be tough fighters. NAB 2 Samuel 11:16 So while Joab was besieging the city, he assigned Uriah to a place where he knew the defenders were strong. YLT 2 Samuel 11:16 And it cometh to pass in Joab's watching of the city, that he appointeth Uriah unto the place where he knew that valiant men are; GWN 2 Samuel 11:16 Since Joab had kept the city under observation, he put Uriah at the place where he knew the experienced warriors were. BBE 2 Samuel 11:16 So while Joab was watching the town, he put Uriah in the place where it was clear to him the best fighters were. he assigned: 2Sa 11:21 3:27 20:9,10 1Sa 22:17-19 1Ki 2:5,31-34 21:12-14 2Ki 10:6 Pr 29:12 Ho 5:11 Ac 5:29 JOAB'S ROLE IN URIAH'S MURDER So - For this reason. Therefore. Term of conclusion, the conclusion based on David's instructions in the evil letter. Swindoll writes "When Uriah handed over the message on the battlefield and Joab read it, guess who put two and two together. Joab was no fool. I have a sneaking suspicion he figured the whole thing out in a few milliseconds. A panic-stricken king and a ruthless warrior on the battlefront makes for disaster. Unfortunately, innocent Uriah was doomed." (Borrow David: A Man of Passion, A Man of Destiny) It was as Joab kept watch on the city, that he put Uriah at the place where he knew there were valiant men - NLT = "So Joab assigned Uriah to a spot close to the city wall where he knew the enemy's strongest men were fighting." Joab becomes an accomplice to Uriah's murder! And to make it look especially "accidental" Joab makes sure there are other valiant men around Uriah. Joab is fully involved in this evil deed! It's too bad David had not read Charles Spurgeon who said “God does not allow his children to sin successfully.” 2 Samuel 11:17 The men of the city went out and fought against Joab, and some of the people among David's servants fell; and Uriah the Hittite also died. BGT 2 Samuel 11:17 καὶ ἐξῆλθον οἱ ἄνδρες τῆς πόλεως καὶ ἐπολέμουν μετὰ Ιωαβ καὶ ἔπεσαν ἐκ τοῦ λαοῦ ἐκ τῶν δούλων Δαυιδ καὶ ἀπέθανεν καί γε Ουριας ὁ Χετταῖος LXE 2 Samuel 11:17 And the men of the city went out, and fought with Joab: and some of the people of the servants of David fell, and Urias the Chettite died also. KJV 2 Samuel 11:17 And the men of the city went out, and fought with Joab: and there fell some of the people of the servants of David; and Uriah the Hittite died also. NET 2 Samuel 11:17 When the men of the city came out and fought with Joab, some of David's soldiers fell in battle. Uriah the Hittite also died. CSB 2 Samuel 11:17 Then the men of the city came out and attacked Joab, and some of the men from David's soldiers fell in battle; Uriah the Hittite also died. ESV 2 Samuel 11:17 And the men of the city came out and fought with Joab, and some of the servants of David among the people fell. Uriah the Hittite also died. NIV 2 Samuel 11:17 When the men of the city came out and fought against Joab, some of the men in David's army fell; moreover, Uriah the Hittite died. NLT 2 Samuel 11:17 And when the enemy soldiers came out of the city to fight, Uriah the Hittite was killed along with several other Israelite soldiers. NRS 2 Samuel 11:17 The men of the city came out and fought with Joab; and some of the servants of David among the people fell. Uriah the Hittite was killed as well. NJB 2 Samuel 11:17 The people of the city sallied out and engaged Joab; there were casualties in the army, among David's guards, and Uriah the Hittite was killed as well. NAB 2 Samuel 11:17 When the men of the city made a sortie against Joab, some officers of David's army fell, and among them Uriah the Hittite died. YLT 2 Samuel 11:17 and the men of the city go out and fight with Joab, and there fall some of the people, of the servants of David; and there dieth also Uriah the Hittite. GWN 2 Samuel 11:17 The men of the city came out and fought Joab. Some of the people, namely, some of David's mercenaries, fell and died-including Uriah the Hittite. BBE 2 Samuel 11:17 And the men of the town went out and had a fight with Joab: and a number of David's men came to their death in the fight, and with them Uriah the Hittite. there fell: 2Sa 12:9 Ps 51:14 Related Passage: 1 Kings 15:4-5 But for David’s sake the LORD his God gave him a lamp in Jerusalem, to raise up his son after him and to establish Jerusalem; because David did what was right in the sight of the LORD, and had not turned aside from anything that He commanded him all the days of his life, except in the case of Uriah the Hittite. THE THIRD ATTEMPT TO COVER SIN SUCCEEDS The men of the city went out and fought against Joab, and some of the people among David's servants fell; and Uriah the Hittite also died - God could have protected Uriah and even foiled the third attempt by David to cover up his sin, but He allows this valiant, loyal man to die. David now is not only an adulterer but also a murderer. In fact if one looks at the list of the 10 Commandments, David has essentially broken all ten! 2 Samuel 11:18 Then Joab sent and reported to David all the events of the war. JOAB'S REPORT TO DAVID Then Joab sent and reported to David all the events of the war - Under the guise of stating this report was about all the events of the war, clearly this report was about one event in the war, the successful murder of Uriah! Joab's entanglement in David's web of sin continues. 2 Samuel 11:19 He charged the messenger, saying, "When you have finished telling all the events of the war to the king, JOAB'S CHARGE TO THE MESSENGER He charged the messenger, saying, "When you have finished telling all the events of the war to the king 2 Samuel 11:20 and if it happens that the king's wrath rises and he says to you, 'Why did you go so near to the city to fight? Did you not know that they would shoot from the wall? JOAB PREPARES MESSENGER FOR KING'S ACT OF ANGER and if it happens that the king's wrath rises and he says to you, 'Why did you go so near to the city to fight? Did you not know that they would shoot from the wall - David demonstrating (fake) anger would be seen by the messenger and his servants as evidence of his genuine concern, but this was simply a final piece in his coverup so that no suspicions would be aroused against him. 2 Samuel 11:21 'Who struck down Abimelech the son of Jerubbesheth? Did not a woman throw an upper millstone on him from the wall so that he died at Thebez? Why did you go so near the wall?'--then you shall say, 'Your servant Uriah the Hittite is dead also.'" KJV 2 Samuel 11:21 Who smote Abimelech the son of Jerubbesheth? did not a woman cast a piece of a millstone upon him from the wall, that he died in Thebez? why went ye nigh the wall? then say thou, Thy servant Uriah the Hittite is dead also. NET 2 Samuel 11:21 Who struck down Abimelech the son of Jerub-Besheth? Didn't a woman throw an upper millstone down on him from the wall so that he died in Thebez? Why did you go so close to the wall?' just say to him, 'Your servant Uriah the Hittite is also dead.'" CSB 2 Samuel 11:21 At Thebez, who struck Abimelech son of Jerubbesheth? Didn't a woman drop an upper millstone on him from the top of the wall so that he died? Why did you get so close to the wall? '-- then say, 'Your servant Uriah the Hittite is dead also.'" ESV 2 Samuel 11:21 Who killed Abimelech the son of Jerubbesheth? Did not a woman cast an upper millstone on him from the wall, so that he died at Thebez? Why did you go so near the wall?' then you shall say, 'Your servant Uriah the Hittite is dead also.'" NIV 2 Samuel 11:21 Who killed Abimelech son of Jerub-Besheth? Didn't a woman throw an upper millstone on him from the wall, so that he died in Thebez? Why did you get so close to the wall?' If he asks you this, then say to him, 'Also, your servant Uriah the Hittite is dead.' " NLT 2 Samuel 11:21 Wasn't Abimelech son of Gideon killed at Thebez by a woman who threw a millstone down on him from the wall? Why would you get so close to the wall?' Then tell him, 'Uriah the Hittite was killed, too.' " NRS 2 Samuel 11:21 Who killed Abimelech son of Jerubbaal? Did not a woman throw an upper millstone on him from the wall, so that he died at Thebez? Why did you go so near the wall?' then you shall say, 'Your servant Uriah the Hittite is dead too.'" NJB 2 Samuel 11:21 Who killed Abimelech son of Jerubbaal? Wasn't it a woman who dropped a millstone on him from the ramparts, causing his death at Thebez? Why did you go near the ramparts?" you are to say, "Your servant Uriah the Hittite is dead too." ' Abimelech: Jdg 9:53 Jerubbesheth: Jdg 6:32 7:1, Jerubbaal Your servant: 2Sa 3:27,34 Ps 39:8 Isa 14:10 Eze 16:51,52 JOAB EVEN USES SCRIPTURE TO JUSTIFY DAVID'S FACADE OF ANGER Who struck down Abimelech the son of Jerubbesheth? Did not a woman throw an upper millstone on him from the wall so that he died at Thebez? Why did you go so near the wall?'--then you shall say, 'Your servant Uriah the Hittite is dead also - Finally Joab specifies that the messenger is to tell David that Uriah is dead. This might seem slightly suspicious because other valiant men had been killed around Uriah, so why specifically designate his name? Swindoll writes "Joab knows Uriah, probably knew of his beautiful wife as well as his family. He also knows David. He knows what David really wants to hear. So when he sends the report back to the king, he says, “Tell him, ‘Mission accomplished. I did the deed.’” After that, guess who has the tools for blackmail. Right, Joab has the king right where he wants him, and one day he’ll rise up and make David rue the day he made that decision. So he set up Uriah to be killed. The messenger came to the king from the battlefield, and David listened with bated breath for one statement. Finally he hears what he’s been waiting for." (Borrow David: A Man of Passion, A Man of Destiny) 2 Samuel 11:22 So the messenger departed and came and reported to David all that Joab had sent him to tell. Lexham English Septuagint (the translators have incorporated the previous text into this passage implying that David faked being very angry at Joab.) And Joab’s messengers went to the king in Jerusalem and he arrived and reported to David everything that Joab told him, all the news of the battle. And David was provoked against Joab and said to the messenger, “Why did you go near to the city? Did you not know that they would shoot from the wall? Who struck of Abimelech son of Jerubbaal? Was it not a woman who threw a piece of millstone on him from the wall and he died in Thebez? Why did you go near to the wall?” (SEE THE NJB, THE NEW JERUSALEM BIBLE AND THE BBE - BIBLE IN BASIC ENGLISH - TRANSLATIONS BELOW) KJV 2 Samuel 11:22 So the messenger went, and came and shewed David all that Joab had sent him for. NET 2 Samuel 11:22 So the messenger departed. When he arrived, he informed David of all the news that Joab had sent with him. CSB 2 Samuel 11:22 Then the messenger left. When he arrived, he reported to David all that Joab had sent him to tell. ESV 2 Samuel 11:22 So the messenger went and came and told David all that Joab had sent him to tell. NIV 2 Samuel 11:22 The messenger set out, and when he arrived he told David everything Joab had sent him to say. NLT 2 Samuel 11:22 So the messenger went to Jerusalem and gave a complete report to David. NRS 2 Samuel 11:22 So the messenger went, and came and told David all that Joab had sent him to tell. NJB 2 Samuel 11:22 So the messenger set off and, on his arrival, told David everything that Joab had instructed him to say. David flew into a rage with Joab and said to the messenger, 'Why did you go near the ramparts? Who killed Abimelech son of Jerubbaal? Wasn't it a woman who dropped a millstone on him from the ramparts, causing his death at Thebez? Why did you go near the ramparts?' NAB 2 Samuel 11:22 The messenger set out, and on his arrival he relayed to David all the details as Joab had instructed him. YLT 2 Samuel 11:22 And the messenger goeth, and cometh in, and declareth to David all that with which Joab sent him, GWN 2 Samuel 11:22 The messenger left, and when he arrived, he reported to David everything Joab told him to say. BBE 2 Samuel 11:22 So the man went, and came to David, and gave him all the news which Joab had sent him to give; then David was angry with Joab and said, Why did you go so near the town for the fight? was it not certain that their archers would be on the wall? who put Abimelech, the son of Jerubbaal, to death? did not a woman send a great stone down on him from the wall, putting him to death at Thebez? why did you go so near the wall? MESSENGER REPORTS TO DAVID So the messenger departed and came and reported to David all that Joab had sent him to tell - The messenger gives David a complete report. 2 Samuel 11:23 The messenger said to David, "The men prevailed against us and came out against us in the field, but we pressed them as far as the entrance of the gate. Lexham English Septuagint - And the messenger said to David, “Because the men grew strong over us and came out against us in the field and we were over them as far as the door of the gate BGT 2 Samuel 11:23 καὶ εἶπεν ὁ ἄγγελος πρὸς Δαυιδ ὅτι ἐκραταίωσαν ἐφ᾽ ἡμᾶς οἱ ἄνδρες καὶ ἐξῆλθαν ἐφ᾽ ἡμᾶς εἰς τὸν ἀγρόν καὶ ἐγενήθημεν ἐπ᾽ αὐτοὺς ἕως τῆς θύρας τῆς πύλης LXE 2 Samuel 11:23 And the messenger said to David, The men prevailed against us, and they came out against us into the field, and we came upon them even to the door of the gate. KJV 2 Samuel 11:23 And the messenger said unto David, Surely the men prevailed against us, and came out unto us into the field, and we were upon them even unto the entering of the gate. NET 2 Samuel 11:23 The messenger said to David, "The men overpowered us and attacked us in the field. But we forced them to retreat all the way to the door of the city gate. CSB 2 Samuel 11:23 The messenger reported to David, "The men gained the advantage over us and came out against us in the field, but we counterattacked right up to the entrance of the gate. ESV 2 Samuel 11:23 The messenger said to David, "The men gained an advantage over us and came out against us in the field, but we drove them back to the entrance of the gate. NIV 2 Samuel 11:23 The messenger said to David, "The men overpowered us and came out against us in the open, but we drove them back to the entrance to the city gate. NLT 2 Samuel 11:23 "The enemy came out against us in the open fields," he said. "And as we chased them back to the city gate, NRS 2 Samuel 11:23 The messenger said to David, "The men gained an advantage over us, and came out against us in the field; but we drove them back to the entrance of the gate. NJB 2 Samuel 11:23 The messenger replied to David, 'Their men had won an initial advantage and then came out to engage us in the open. We then drove them back into the gateway, NAB 2 Samuel 11:23 He told David: "The men had us at a disadvantage and came out into the open against us, but we pushed them back to the entrance of the city gate. YLT 2 Samuel 11:23 and the messenger saith unto David, 'Surely the men have been mighty against us, and come out unto us into the field, and we are upon them unto the opening of the gate, GWN 2 Samuel 11:23 The messenger said, "Their men overpowered us and came to attack us in the field. Then we forced them back to the entrance of the city gate. BBE 2 Samuel 11:23 And the man said to David, Truly the men got the better of us, and came out against us into the open country, but we sent them back to the very doors of the town. MESSENGER'S TALE BEGINS The messenger said to David, "The men prevailed against us and came out against us in the field, but we pressed them as far as the entrance of the gate. 2 Samuel 11:24 "Moreover, the archers shot at your servants from the wall; so some of the king's servants are dead, and your servant Uriah the Hittite is also dead." Lexham English Septuagint - And the archers shot at your servants from the top of the wall and some died from the servants of the king, also, indeed, your servant Uriah the Hittite died.” BGT 2 Samuel 11:24 καὶ ἐτόξευσαν οἱ τοξεύοντες πρὸς τοὺς παῖδάς σου ἀπάνωθεν τοῦ τείχους καὶ ἀπέθαναν τῶν παίδων τοῦ βασιλέως καί γε ὁ δοῦλός σου Ουριας ὁ Χετταῖος ἀπέθανεν KJV 2 Samuel 11:24 And the shooters shot from off the wall upon thy servants; and some of the king's servants be dead, and thy servant Uriah the Hittite is dead also. NET 2 Samuel 11:24 Then the archers shot at your servants from the wall and some of the king's soldiers died. Your servant Uriah the Hittite is also dead." CSB 2 Samuel 11:24 However, the archers shot down on your soldiers from the top of the wall, and some of the king's soldiers died. Your servant Uriah the Hittite is also dead." ESV 2 Samuel 11:24 Then the archers shot at your servants from the wall. Some of the king's servants are dead, and your servant Uriah the Hittite is dead also." NIV 2 Samuel 11:24 Then the archers shot arrows at your servants from the wall, and some of the king's men died. Moreover, your servant Uriah the Hittite is dead." NLT 2 Samuel 11:24 the archers on the wall shot arrows at us. Some of the king's men were killed, including Uriah the Hittite." NRS 2 Samuel 11:24 Then the archers shot at your servants from the wall; some of the king's servants are dead; and your servant Uriah the Hittite is dead also." NJB 2 Samuel 11:24 but the archers shot at your retainers from the ramparts; some of the king's retainers lost their lives, and your servant Uriah the Hittite is dead too.' NAB 2 Samuel 11:24 Then the archers shot at your servants from the wall above, and some of the king's servants died, among them your servant Uriah." YLT 2 Samuel 11:24 and those shooting shoot at thy servants from off the wall, and some of the servants of the king are dead, and also, thy servant Uriah the Hittite is dead. GWN 2 Samuel 11:24 The archers on the wall shot down at your mercenaries, and some of Your Majesty's mercenaries died. Your man Uriah the Hittite also is dead." BBE 2 Samuel 11:24 And the archers sent their arrows at your servants from the wall, and some of the king's servants are dead, and among them is your servant Uriah the Hittite. MESSENGER FINALLY REPORTS DEATH OF URIAH Moreover, the archers shot at your servants from the wall; so some of the king's servants are dead, and your servant Uriah the Hittite is also dead." - Notice that David (and Joab) is not just guilty of murdering Uriah, but also in the murder of several of his own brave men! One count of adultery and multiple counts of murder! David now has innocent blood on his hands! 2 Samuel 11:25 Then David said to the messenger, "Thus you shall say to Joab, 'Do not let this thing displease you, for the sword devours one as well as another; make your battle against the city stronger and overthrow it'; and so encourage him." BGT 2 Samuel 11:25 καὶ εἶπεν Δαυιδ πρὸς τὸν ἄγγελον τάδε ἐρεῖς πρὸς Ιωαβ μὴ πονηρὸν ἔστω ἐν ὀφθαλμοῖς σου τὸ ῥῆμα τοῦτο ὅτι ποτὲ μὲν οὕτως καὶ ποτὲ οὕτως φάγεται ἡ μάχαιρα κραταίωσον τὸν πόλεμόν σου πρὸς τὴν πόλιν καὶ κατάσπασον αὐτὴν καὶ κραταίωσον αὐτόν LXE 2 Samuel 11:25 And David said to the messenger, Thus shalt thou say to Joab, Let not the matter be grievous in thine eyes, for the sword devours one way at one time and another way at another: strengthen thine array against the city, and destroy it, and strengthen him. KJV 2 Samuel 11:25 Then David said unto the messenger, Thus shalt thou say unto Joab, Let not this thing displease thee, for the sword devoureth one as well as another: make thy battle more strong against the city, and overthrow it: and encourage thou him. NET 2 Samuel 11:25 David said to the messenger, "Tell Joab, 'Don't let this thing upset you. There is no way to anticipate whom the sword will cut down. Press the battle against the city and conquer it.' Encourage him with these words." CSB 2 Samuel 11:25 David told the messenger, "Say this to Joab: 'Don't let this matter upset you because the sword devours all alike. Intensify your fight against the city and demolish it.' Encourage him." ESV 2 Samuel 11:25 David said to the messenger, "Thus shall you say to Joab, 'Do not let this matter displease you, for the sword devours now one and now another. Strengthen your attack against the city and overthrow it.' And encourage him." NIV 2 Samuel 11:25 David told the messenger, "Say this to Joab: 'Don't let this upset you; the sword devours one as well as another. Press the attack against the city and destroy it.' Say this to encourage Joab." NLT 2 Samuel 11:25 "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!" NRS 2 Samuel 11:25 David said to the messenger, "Thus you shall say to Joab, 'Do not let this matter trouble you, for the sword devours now one and now another; press your attack on the city, and overthrow it.' And encourage him." NJB 2 Samuel 11:25 David then said to the messenger, 'Say this to Joab, "Do not take the matter to heart; the sword devours now one and now another. Attack the town in greater force and destroy it." That will encourage him.' NAB 2 Samuel 11:25 David said to the messenger: "This is what you shall convey to Joab: 'Do not be chagrined at this, for the sword devours now here and now there. Strengthen your attack on the city and destroy it.' Encourage him." YLT 2 Samuel 11:25 And David saith unto the messenger, 'Thus dost thou say unto Joab, Let not this thing be evil in thine eyes; for thus and thus doth the sword devour; strengthen thy warfare against the city, and throw it down -- and strengthen thou him.' GWN 2 Samuel 11:25 David said to the messenger, "This is what you are to say to Joab, 'Don't let this thing trouble you, because a sword can kill one person as easily as another. Strengthen your attack against the city, and destroy it.' Say this to encourage him." BBE 2 Samuel 11:25 Then David said to the man, Go and say to Joab, Do not let this be a grief to you; for one man may come to his death by the sword like another: put up an even stronger fight against the town, and take it: and do you put heart into him. for the sword: Jos 7:8,9 1Sa 6:9 Ec 9:1-3,11,12 one: Heb. so and such, What abominable hypocrisy was here! He well knew that the death of this noble and gallant man was no chance-medley: he was by his own order thrust on the sword. make: 2Sa 12:26 DAVID'S HYPOCRITICAL CONSOLATION! Then David said to the messenger, "Thus you shall say to Joab, 'Do not let this thing displease you, for the sword devours one as well as another; make your battle against the city stronger and overthrow it'; and so encourage him." - NET - "Tell Joab, 'Don't let this thing upset you. There is no way to anticipate whom the sword will cut down. Press the battle against the city and conquer it.' Encourage him with these words."" David is not mouthing words like an actor in a play. He is only trying to console and convince the messenger of his sincere concern. But he is faking it because that is what everyone does when they are in cover-up mode. And what is this fakery but another form of a lying tongue which the LORD hates (Pr 6:17). One imagines that his flesh is overjoyed at this news and he must have had a difficult time acting part of a concerned king! 2 Samuel 11:26 Now when the wife of Uriah heard that Uriah her husband was dead, she mourned for her husband. she mourned: 2Sa 3:31 2Sa 14:2 Ge 27:41 Related Passage: 2 Samuel 3:31 Then David said to Joab and to all the people who were with him, “Tear your clothes and gird on sackcloth and lament before Abner.” And King David walked behind the bier. 2 Samuel 14:2 So Joab sent to Tekoa and brought a wise woman from there and said to her, “Please pretend to be a mourner, and put on mourning garments now, and do not anoint yourself with oil, but be like a woman who has been mourning for the dead many days; URIAH'S WIFE HEARS AND MOURNS Now when the wife of Uriah heard that Uriah her husband was dead, she mourned for her husband - The text adds no details to her mourning, so we must avoid adding our conjecture. 2 Samuel 11:27 When the time of mourning was over, David sent and brought her to his house and she became his wife; then she bore him a son. But the thing that David had done was evil in the sight of the LORD. David sent and brought her : 2Sa 3:2-5 5:13-16 12:9 De 22:29 But the thing: Ge 38:10 1Ch 21:7 was evil in the eyes of, Ps 5:6 Ps 51:4-5 Heb 13:4 Related Passage Genesis 50:10 When they came to the threshing floor of Atad, which is beyond the Jordan, they lamented there with a very great and sorrowful lamentation; and he observed seven days mourning for his father. Psalm 5:6+ (DAVID PENNED THESE WORDS) - You destroy those who speak falsehood; The LORD abhors the man of bloodshed and deceit. Psalm 51:4-5+ (DAVID WROTE) Against You, You only, I have sinned And done what is evil in Your sight, So that You are justified when You speak And blameless when You judge. 5 Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity, And in sin my mother conceived me. Psalm 11:5+ The LORD tests the righteous and the wicked, And the one who loves violence His soul hates. Proverbs 15:3+ The eyes of the LORD are in every place, Watching the evil and the good. Hebrews 4:13 And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are open and laid bare to the eyes of Him with whom we have to do. Hebrews 13:4 Marriage is to be held in honor among all, and the marriage bed is to be undefiled; for fornicators and adulterers God will judge. MOURNING FOLLOWED BY QUICK MARRIAGE & BIRTH OF CHILD When the time of mourning was over In 1Sa 25:39-42 the normal period was one week. F B