Introduction

King David was riding a crest. He had broken the Philistines’ control over Canaan once and for all. He had captured the old fortress of Jerusalem, despite the boast of its occupants that it was impregnable. He had rescued the Ark of the Covenant from the place of oblivion in which it had rested since the fall of the confederate sanctuary of Shiloh, and had brought it to Jerusalem. He had begun to consolidate the Israelite nation. He was a leader, and he was loved. He seemed to be able to do anything he wanted.

Yet at the very heart of this success lurked danger. Could he wield his great power without being corrupted by it? Would success go to his head, convincing him that he could have anything he wanted? Listen to how one theologian/poet tells what happens next:

He ... remembe…