Lesson 7

Sin and Remorse

Chronology Summary

David's Sin with Bathsheba (II Samuel 11)

During the springtime, armies customarily engaged in battle. This timing allowed the soldiers to leave their duties at home with minimal conflict of interest. David sent his army, commanded by Joab, to fight against the enemies. However, David stayed at home. Idleness led David into severe problems. (II Samuel 11:1)

One evening, David went out onto the roof of his palace. He looked down and saw a beautiful woman bathing. David wanted to know who this woman was. Unlike Joseph so many years prior, David ran to the temptation before him. (II Samuel 11:2-3)

David was told the woman was Bathsheba and that she was married. Regardless, David desired this woman and committed adultery with her. Matters got worse. As a result of the sinful relationship, Bathsheba learned that she was now expecting a baby. Matters got worse. David tried to cover the consequence of his sin by having Bathsheba's husband return to his home and wife. David thought Uriah would have relations with his wife and everyone would think that Uriah was the father of the child. Uriah refused to go to his wife even after David tried to get him drunk. David decided to murder Uriah by putting him on the battlefront. Uriah was indeed killed and David then created a lie to cover the poor battle strategy that resulted in Uriah's death. (II Samuel 11:4-27)

Nathan Confronted David (II Samuel 12)

Nathan used an illustration to get David's attention. Nathan told David of a wealthy man that stole the lamb of a poor man. Nathan explained that the wealthy man had plenty yet ravaged the paltry possessions of the poor man. The story had a profound effect on David. (II Samuel 12:1-4)

David responded to the illustration with fierce anger. David, not realizing that Nathan was using an illustration, stated the wealthy man deserved to die. Although he did not pronounce the death sentence on the illustrated man, David did order the repayment of four times the damage. (II Samuel 12:5-6)

Nathan informed David that he was the wealthy man of the story. Nathan stated that David was guilty before God. Nathan spoke the voice of God in condemning David for his sins. David confessed his sin before Nathan and God. God forgave David and removed the guilt of sin from him. However, David would have to face several heavy consequences of his sin. First, David would experience severe family problems. These problems would cause much discomfort for David. Secondly, the child conceived in the sinful relationship would have to die. (II Samuel 12:7-19)

Despite David's prayer of mercy, the baby died as warned by Nathan. David fasted, mourned, and accepted the death of his child. After he accepted the loss, David composed himself and did not let the consequence of sin destroy him. (II Samuel 12:20-23)

David comforted Bathsheba and she conceived another son, named Solomon. God loved this child. (II Samuel 12:24-25)

Psalm 51 - Create in me a clean heart

What is man's responsibility when he learns of sin in his life? Is this popular in our society?
How does David view his sin? Does he try to redefine it into something less than what it is?
Who did David sin against in 2 Samuel 11? Why does he say what he did in verse 4?
Is David asking God for the removal of guilt or the consequences? How do you know?
What does this Psalm say about the nature of God?

Psalm 32 - Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven

What role should the conscience of man play when sin is committed? What can dull the conscience?
What is involved in confessing sin to God? What can we learn from this thought?
How does God cover man's sin today?
Did God ever promise to relieve man of the consequences of sin? What about guilt?