July 29, 2012, 9 Pentecost
2 Samuel 11:1-15
David Commits Adultery with Bathsheba
Background: The book of 2 Samuel is considered part
of the Deuteronomistic history and continues developing the history of the
Davidic kingship in the nation of Israel. 2 Samuel highlights the nature of the
human king; faithful and fallible. The middle section of 2 Samuel deals with
the development of the kingdom and David’s family.
Theme: This passage can be placed in David’s
struggle for power within the kingdom. This section helps paint a picture of
David as fallible, somewhat misguided, and capable of horrible misuse of power.
This passage is filled with painstaking details about David’s human fallibility
and the lengths he will go to cover up his sin, even though he is God’s chosen
leader of Israel.
Questions to Ponder
* Please skim Chapters 10-12 for context.
* How might the placement of David’s adultery in the midst
of the story of the destruction of the Ammonites be important in the
development of David in Israel’s story?
* What, if anything, do you find ironic in David’s absence
from the war against the Ammonites; the Israelites besieging Rabbah; David
lusting after Bathsheba; and David’s adultery with Bathsheba?
* What do you find interesting about the description of
Bathsheba? How might this foreshadow the outcome of the story?
* What do you find interesting about the description of
David’s location when he sees Bathsheba? Why might it be important for his
location to be identified as “the roof of the king’s house” as opposed to “the
roof of David’s house”?
* What do you think is the writer/editor’s intent behind
emphasizing David’s kingship and Bathsheba’s womanhood?
* Why do you think David sent Uriah to “wash his feet” (have
sex with Bathsheba)? Why do you think Uriah declined the direction from David?
* Do you think Uriah knew about or at least heard about
David’s encounter with Bathsheba? How might that make a difference in Uriah’s
response to David?
* Given Uriah’s name and his response to David, what might
the writer/editor be trying to imply with regard to David and his rule over and
in Israel?
* What might the writer’s intent be by placing this story of
David’s fallibility in the midst of the larger story of David’s rise to power
and the promise that David’s line will continue forever (if they remain
faithful to God)?
* How could the church apply this potential message to its
actions today?
* Can you think of any examples where Christians have
perpetrated this kind of act?
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