Psalms 81, 82, 83, 88; 1 Chronicles 17; 2 Samuel 8 – 12:15a; Psalm 51; 2 Samuel 12:15b-31

Look at the sequence of events at this phase of David’s life. Although his sincere desire is to build a Temple for Yahweh, instead he is promised a “house” that will rule forever under the reign of his descendant. As king, he leads his army to victories and leads his nation in prosperity. Even the old foes of the house of Saul are the recipients of his kindness and mercy. Attempting to show kindness to the Ammonites led to humiliation for his messengers and another military victory in an unwanted war. Everything was going David’s way.

Then it happened. Sure, he should have been out in the field with his troops, but who could blame him. It’s good to be king. Sure, he merely wanted a walk in the cool night air and didn’t intend to see her bathing. Just a couple of choices led David to a fork in the road. Sure, he could have looked away and returned to his chambers. But, she was so pretty. Then it all began to unravel. Circumstances may differ, but we have all been there. Temptation just presents itself when least expected and the next thing you know it’s done. Sin.

It’s good to be king because you can summon women on a whim. It’s good to be king because you can cover up your love child by recalling her soldier husband to come home so he will think the child is his and all will be well. Sin is like that. One leads to another. We want to think we are smarter than sin, when in actuality we are thinking we are smarter than God. David was a man. God is King. It’s good to be King, because you see everything.

Nathan sneaks up on David by using a story to illustrate what David has done. Then, he nails him. Caught. Guilty. He has the power as king to “handle” this. Instead, he turns back to God. David repents. No excuses, just godly sorrow. That is the right answer.

Psalm 51 is pivotal in the life of David. Everything is going his way until he stumbles and falls. No excuses. Cry to God for mercy, based upon the steadfast love of Yahweh for people. Cry to God for the washing away of sin. Full acknowledgment that it wasn’t her fault and it didn’t “just happen” – it was a transgression against Yahweh Elohim Shaddai into which he entangled Bathsheba and Uriah. Only God can purge sin and return joy. Only God can cleanse and renew the soul. Only God can restore the joy of salvation. Only God can deliver the sinner.

We may not word it the way that David di, but this must be our cry each and every day. Sin is a turning away from God, and repentance is turning back to Him in godly sorrow. Sin needs to hurt us, because it hurts God. Sin doesn’t need to become easy, because we wrongfully think we can hide it. Sin needs to be acknowledged and purged. Only God can do that.

It’s good to be King, and I am thankful that Yahweh reigns!

Consider His nature. Consider His ways. Strive to love Him more!