COMMENTARY

Old Testament: 2 Samuel 11:1-15
Here is the story of a tragedy of a great man's downfall, of one who committed two crimes both worthy of death. And can it be that one who killed a giant in the strength of the Lord, who by his playing stilled the nerves of a mentally ill king, one who was anointed king by God's prophet, one who could write, "The Lord is my shepherd," one who could offer a most beautiful prayer? David had reached a plateau of success, power and wealth. He lived a life of luxury and leisure in his Jerusalem palace. He now has others to fight his enemies. He stays home, takes a nap on his couch, goes for a stroll, watches a married woman take a bath, and he falls into the sin of adultery. And to cover it up, he is responsible for the murder of the woman's husband, …