Big Idea: The Lord’s chosen servants cannot hide their sins from him.

Understanding the Text

Empowered by the Lord, David has experienced great success militarily and made Israel more secure than it has ever been. He obeyed the Deuteronomic regulations pertaining to the accumulation of chariot horses and wealth, promoted justice for all, and tried to model God’s faithfulness in his relationships. But suddenly the story takes a shocking downward turn as David’s blatant violation of God’s law brings chaos into his life, the royal court, and the nation. Earlier David was portrayed as a new Joshua/Caleb who fearlessly defeats Israel’s intimidating enemies (see “Theological Insights” for 1 Sam. 17). But now he turns into a new Samson: he sees an attractive woman and allows lust to enslave him…