Every time we read about the story of David and Bathsheba, the focus is normally on David and not so much on Bathsheba. As a result, not many people understand the sufferings that Bathsheba went through. Bathsheba was the victim of this sinful, tragic event. Bathsheba was the granddaughter of Ahithophel, who was one of David's advisers in his palace. Bathsheba was married to one of the mighty and loyal men of David. In spite of Bathsheba's connection in David's palace, she was not spared by the sinful lust of David. There are Bible teachers who blamed Bathsheba in the story for taking a bath on the roof. They said that if Bathsheba had not been taking a bath on the roof, David would not have seen her, and they claimed that Bathsheba purposely took a bath to entice David. However, the text never said anything about that. It was common for people to take a bath on the roof of the house in those days, but when they took a bath, they were not completely naked. It is similar to taking a bath in the river. The Bible said this in 2 Samuel 11:2, "One evening David got up from his bed and walked around on the roof of the palace. From the roof he saw a woman bathing. The woman was very beautiful."
David was not supposed to be in his palace because his men were fighting on the battlefield during this time. He should have been with his mighty men, but he decided to stay that night. When David stumbled on seeing Bathsheba taking a bath from his balcony, lust gripped his eyes, mind, and heart. David could have walked away, but he allowed the lustful thoughts to overcome him. Bathsheba, on the other hand, took a bath at night because it was less visible to take a bath on the roof than during the day. As I examine the text, I believe that Bathsheba was innocently taking a bath at night. Unaware, David was watching her while taking a bath. And David immediately sent someone to find out about her. 2 Samuel 11:3 says, "and David sent someone to find out about her. The man said, 'She is Bathsheba, the daughter of Eliam and the wife of Uriah the Hittite.'" Despite knowing who the father and the husband of Bathsheba are, David disregards their connection to him because he is already consumed with lust. He was no longer thinking reasonably, but lust was controlling his mind. This was similar to Eve in the Garden of Eden when he saw the forbidden fruit, and it was desirable for her to eat. She disregarded the consequences, including disobeying God's commandments.
Let us not give in to temptations that lead us to sin. Let us not gratify the desires of our flesh. When we are tempted, let us pray to God immediately to give us the strength to overcome the temptation and run away from that situation. 1 Corinthians 10:13 says, "No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it."
Ask yourself these questions for application: (Think through carefully, meditate on the questions while answering them, and let the Spirit of God speak to you.) What should we do when we are being tempted? What happens when we give in to our temptations? Is there anything that I am being tempted at this moment? What should I do about it?
Write down all the worries you face today and lift them up to God.
Prayer:
Father in Heaven, would you please help me to overcome the temptations that I face today? Give me the strength to say no, and walk away from it. Please remind me the consequences of giving in to temptations so that I will not give in to it. Please lead me not to temptation but deliver me from evil (Matthew 6:13). In your name, Lord Jesus, I pray. Amen.