At a time when David and his people seem to be thriving, the king commits adultery and murder. Although David repents and the Lord forgives his sin, this whole episode marks a major turning point in David’s rule. From this point on David faces serious challenges from his own family and fellow Israelites and in the process nearly loses the throne. Like Samson before him, David is guilty of sexual immorality, with all its consequences. While committing adultery is bad enough, David compounds the problem by committing murder as well. The second crime is intended to cover up the first—but he soon finds out that nothing is hidden from the Lord.

The historian starts the narration of this scene by noting that kings customarily return to the battlefield after the rainy season ends in April and M…